United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep outrage and sorrow over the killing and maiming of Palestinian civilians at a humanitarian aid distribution point in southern Gaza.
In a statement released on Monday, June 2, Guterres said he was “appalled by reports of Palestinians killed and injured while seeking aid in Gaza yesterday,” following a deadly Israeli military operation near Rafah.
The incident, which occurred Sunday morning, reportedly left at least 31 dead and dozens more seriously injured, according to Gaza’s health authorities.
The victims were gathered to receive desperately needed food and supplies when Israeli forces opened fire, according to local reports. The attack has sparked renewed global concern over the safety of civilians amid worsening humanitarian conditions in the war-torn enclave.
“It is unacceptable that Palestinians are risking their lives for food,” Guterres declared, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and justice.
He called for an immediate and independent investigation into the killings and stressed that those responsible must be held accountable under international law.
The UN chief also reiterated that Israel, as an occupying power, has clear obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and facilitate the delivery of aid.
He demanded the unimpeded entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza at a scale necessary to meet the enormous needs of the population.
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“The United Nations must be allowed to operate in safety and security, with full respect for humanitarian principles,” he added.
This latest attack near Rafah comes amid rising casualties and deepening desperation among Gaza’s 2.2 million residents, more than half of whom are internally displaced and living with minimal access to food, clean water, and medical care.
The strip has been under near-total blockade since the outbreak of the conflict between Israel and Hamas in late 2023.
Guterres once again called for a humanitarian ceasefire and renewed his plea for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by armed groups.
The incident has sparked global condemnation, with humanitarian groups warning that Gaza is on the brink of total collapse. International calls are growing louder for both sides to return to negotiations and for the global community to act urgently to prevent further civilian suffering.
As conditions continue to deteriorate, the United Nations is urging all parties to uphold international law and protect non-combatants.
The secretary-general’s statement is expected to heighten pressure on the UN Security Council to push for concrete measures to reduce hostilities and ensure the flow of humanitarian aid.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exacerbated by repeated strikes on aid convoys and distribution centres, has already been described by multiple UN agencies as catastrophic and unprecedented.
With over 35,000 Palestinians reportedly killed since the conflict began, according to Palestinian health authorities, and basic infrastructure in ruins, urgent international intervention remains a critical priority.
NAN
