Palestinians Killed

Gaza, July 6 – The United Nations has revealed that at least 613 Palestinians have been killed at or near humanitarian aid distribution sites and convoys in Gaza between May 27 and June 27, painting a grim picture of the deepening crisis in the besieged enclave.

By Naveed Uddin Khan Uzair

According to Ravina Shamdasani, spokeswoman for the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), the killings occurred after the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) — backed by the United States and Israel — began operating in the region, following 11 weeks of total blockade that halted all food and humanitarian assistance. Though the UN has not assigned direct responsibility, Shamdasani stated:

“It is clear that the Israeli military has shelled and shot at Palestinians trying to reach the distribution points.”

She further warned that the actual toll could be higher due to limited UN access to several affected zones. The Gaza Health Ministry reported an even greater tragedy — over 650 deaths and more than 4,000 injuries around aid convoys and distribution points during the same period.

Gaza Death Toll Surpasses 57,000

The ongoing Israeli military offensive, launched in October 2023, has brought Gaza to its knees. As of now, 57,268 Palestinians have been killed and at least 135,625 injured, according to Gaza’s health authorities. The majority of casualties are women and children.

Notably, since March 18, 2025, when Israel broke a ceasefire and resumed its attacks, 6,710 civilians have lost their lives, with 23,584 more wounded.

#Gaza: "Nous avons enregistré 613 meurtres commis à la fois dans les points de contrôle de la Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) et à proximité des convois humanitaires. Ce chiffre date du 27 juin."

– Ravina Shamdasani, porte-parole de @UNHumanRights pic.twitter.com/LLDmZqgfda

— ONU Genève (@ONUGeneve) July 4, 2025

UNRWA Warns of Starvation, Decries Dehumanisation

The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has issued dire warnings of mass starvation sweeping Gaza. In a statement quoted by Wafa News Agency, the agency described scenes of civilians fainting in the streets from hunger, highlighting a complete breakdown in food supply mechanisms.

UNRWA slammed the current aid delivery system as one that has:

“Humiliated and dehumanised hungry, frightened, wounded, and exhausted families.”

They added,

“No person, anywhere, should be forced to choose between risking their life and feeding their family.”

The agency emphasized that during the temporary ceasefire earlier this year, they had successfully delivered large-scale aid throughout Gaza. “We have the systems, the expertise, and the will. What we need is access. Lift the siege. Let us do our job,” the agency concluded.

The UN’s repeated appeals for safe humanitarian corridors, protection of aid convoys, and uninterrupted access have so far gone unheeded, as Gaza plunges deeper into what UN officials describe as one of the worst humanitarian disasters in modern history.

Opinion: A Humanitarian Crisis Gaza Can No Longer Afford

The recent UN report detailing the deaths of 613 Palestinians near humanitarian aid distribution points is more than just a tragic statistic—it’s a damning indictment of a broken aid system and a failure of international conscience. When the simple act of trying to feed one’s family becomes a death sentence, it signals a moral collapse that the global community can no longer ignore.

Israel’s repeated strikes near aid convoys—combined with the suffocating blockade—have turned Gaza into a humanitarian graveyard. Hunger is not just a byproduct of war; in this case, it is being used as a weapon. UNRWA’s cry that people are fainting in the streets and being “humiliated and dehumanized” should shake the conscience of every global leader.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, despite its name and mission, has become ineffective amid continued violence. If safe passage and distribution of food cannot be guaranteed, what purpose does such a foundation serve?

It is not enough for the world to mourn; action must follow. The siege must end. Access must be granted. If the international community fails to ensure even the most basic human rights—food, safety, dignity—then what legitimacy does it retain in claiming to stand for justice and peace?

History will judge those who allowed Gaza to starve.

With inputs from AP