A United Nations spokesman has condemned the tragic situation where civilians in the Gaza Strip are endangering their lives, and in some cases losing them, simply to obtain food. This statement follows reports that at least 27 Palestinians were killed and many more injured while trying to access an aid distribution point.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric stated, “The Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is urging an immediate independent investigation into these occurrences and insists that those responsible be brought to justice.”
The Israeli military claimed that on Tuesday, their troops opened fire on individuals they perceived as a threat after they strayed from a designated route near a distribution center in Rafah and approached military positions.
They further noted that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Earlier today, while a crowd was moving along the designated paths toward the aid distribution point—about half a kilometer from the site—IDF troops noticed several individuals deviating from the designated routes, which led the troops to take action…— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 3, 2025
This incident occurred just hours after Israel reported the deaths of three of its soldiers in ongoing combat in northern Gaza as part of a prolonged military operation against Hamas, which has severely impacted the region.
Reuters has been unable to independently confirm the details from both northern and southern Gaza.
A spokesperson from the International Committee of the Red Cross mentioned that their field hospital in Rafah treated 184 victims, of whom 19 were dead upon arrival and an additional eight succumbed to their injuries shortly after.
Footage showed injured individuals, including at least one woman, being transported to a medical facility on donkey carts.
Health authorities also reported that at least 18 more Palestinians lost their lives due to other military strikes in the region on Tuesday.
The UN human rights office in Geneva remarked that hindering civilians’ access to food aid in Gaza could potentially be classified as a war crime, labeling any attacks on individuals seeking food assistance as “unconscionable.”
Volker Turk, the head of the UN agency, called for a swift and fair investigation into the incidents.
Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer refuted claims that civilians were targeted.
Mencer said, “The IDF is doing everything possible to facilitate Gazans’ access to humanitarian aid. The IDF is not blocking Gazans from reaching aid sites; in fact, we are encouraging it.”
Ten elected members of the UN Security Council have requested a vote on Wednesday regarding a draft resolution calling for “an immediate, unconditional, and lasting ceasefire in Gaza,” which all parties must adhere to, according to diplomats.
The draft also demands the release of all hostages held by Hamas and the immediate removal of all restrictions on the entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza, along with its safe and unrestricted distribution, particularly by the UN throughout the region.
For the resolution to pass, it requires nine affirmative votes and must avoid any vetoes from the five permanent members: the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, or France.
