UN Demands Investigation into Gaza Civilian Deaths, Aid Access

Updated June 4, 2025
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The United ‍Nations⁤ is ‍calling for a swift and impartial investigation into the deaths of Palestinian civilians seeking humanitarian ⁣assistance in Gaza. UN High Commissioner for ⁣Human Rights, Volker Türk, emphasized that attacks targeting civilians constitute grave breaches of international law and potential war crimes. The call follows reports of multiple deaths among Palestinians attempting to secure aid for the third consecutive⁤ day.

Türk urged israel to adhere to the International Court of Justice‘s binding orders, ensuring‍ unhindered and large-scale delivery of aid to⁤ the people⁤ of‍ Gaza. “Ther is no justification for failing to ‍comply with these obligations,” Türk ⁢stated.

Secretary-General António Guterres, through his spokesperson ⁣Stephane Dujarric, condemned the loss of life and injuries, deeming them “unacceptable” ‍and reiterating the need for an independent inquiry.Dujarric told reporters in New York that civilians ⁢are risking their lives to obtain food.

The UN World Health Institution (WHO) reported having 51 trucks⁤ loaded with medical supplies ready for distribution to the few remaining functional hospitals in‍ Gaza, pending access. WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic lamented that no hospitals in northern Gaza are currently operational.

Critics, including the UN, have voiced concerns that the new aid initiative, run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, bypasses established UN aid agencies and may disadvantage vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, who struggle to reach distribution points.

“attacks directed against civilians constitute a grave breach of international law and a war crime,” said High Commissioner Türk.

Türk also condemned⁢ the “threat of starvation” facing Gazans,the extensive ‍civilian casualties over the past 20 months,and the repeated displacement caused by Israeli military evacuation orders.‍ he highlighted “intolerable, dehumanizing rhetoric”⁢ from Israeli⁢ leadership regarding emptying the Gaza ⁣Strip, suggesting ⁢these actions⁣ could constitute serious international crimes.

Jeremy Laurence, spokesperson for the UN human rights office, ‍echoed the High Commissioner’s⁤ call for an investigation into the killings around the new aid hub since its opening on May 27. He ⁢noted reports of engagement by⁢ helicopters, naval vessels, tanks, and ground ⁣troops.

Laurence‍ explained that the High Commissioner’s concerns about “the most serious crimes under ⁢international law” encompassed war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.

Humanitarian organizations are reporting a concerning rise in ⁢child labor, early marriage, and family separation ‍within Gaza, driven by⁣ hunger, displacement, and economic hardship. Dujarric noted ⁢that children⁤ are increasingly exposed to violence and exploitation during chaotic distributions of basic supplies, with children with disabilities being notably vulnerable.

Despite⁤ a limited opening ⁣for aid delivery in the past month, Dujarric stated that “what’s coming in…is still just a trickle and does not meet⁣ the immense needs on the ground.” the UN humanitarian affairs office (OCHA) has⁤ flagged bottlenecks at the Kerem shalom border crossing, the primary entry point for aid into Gaza.

OCHA reports that since May 17,only half of the pre-cleared supplies submitted for final Israeli clearance have reached the Palestinian ⁢side of the crossing. Access to the crossing remains challenging, requiring passage through militarized zones with ongoing ⁣bombings, along routes approved by Israeli authorities.

What’s‍ next

The UN and its partners are urging for increased access and a streamlined process for aid delivery to Gaza, emphasizing the urgent⁣ need to address the growing humanitarian crisis and protect⁢ vulnerable populations. ⁤Independent investigations into the reported killings are essential to ensure accountability and prevent future tragedies.