Guterres seeks probe into Gaza aid site killings

UNICEF/Eyad El Baba Vulnerable children receive nutrition support at a UNICEF-supported malnutrition screening and treatment point in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza Strip (file, May 2025)

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the reported killing and wounding of Palestinians seeking food aid in Gaza on Sunday and called for an independent investigation.

According to media reports, over 30 people were killed and more than 100 injured while waiting for food at two distribution sites in Rafah and Middle Gaza run by the newly formed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The GHF, backed by the US and Israel, operates with private American security contractors under Israeli military oversight, bypassing UN and other aid agencies. Distributions began in late May.

“I am appalled by reports of Palestinians risking their lives for food,” Guterres said on Monday. “There must be an immediate and independent investigation, and those responsible must be held accountable.”

He emphasised Israel’s obligation under international humanitarian law to facilitate aid and allow the UN to operate freely.

“The unimpeded entry of humanitarian assistance at scale must be restored immediately,” he added. “The UN must be allowed to work safely, respecting humanitarian principles.”

Guterres also reiterated his call for an immediate, permanent, and sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, as well as the unconditional release of all hostages, stating, “There is no military solution to this conflict.”

The UN has consistently urged for the full lifting of aid restrictions in Gaza, where over two million people face famine after 20 months of war and a near-total blockade.

Though Israel recently allowed limited aid via the Kerem Shalom crossing, Guterres and other officials have said the UN will not join any aid plan that does not respect international law and humanitarian principles such as neutrality and impartiality.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned on Monday that the situation continues to deteriorate. The dialysis centre in North Gaza’s Noura Al Kaabi Centre was reportedly struck on Sunday. Gaza’s health authorities report 40% of dialysis patients have died since October due to inaccessible or damaged facilities.

On Saturday, Israel issued new displacement orders in Khan Younis and Deir Al-Balah, affecting 100,000 people across 200 sites. Since 18 March, over 640,000 people – nearly a third of Gaza’s population – have been displaced.

The new order has also halted learning for at least 8,000 students due to the closure of temporary learning spaces and public schools, OCHA said.

Humanitarian groups managed to distribute nutritional supplements to about 40,000 children last week, despite severe shortages and security risks. Reports of desperate looting continue, including people taking flour from aid trucks. Some organised criminal looting has also been observed.

Water shortages persist. The main pipeline in Deir Al-Balah remains non-operational, and coordinated repair missions have been blocked. On Monday, Israel denied five UN missions to deliver water in Jabaliya.

Over the weekend, more than 300 truckloads of food and medical supplies were picked up from the Gaza side of the Kerem Shalom crossing. However, even when access is granted, aid volume and variety remain heavily restricted.

“Supplies trickling into Gaza fall far short of the immense needs,” OCHA warned, urging full humanitarian access and safety for aid operations.