NEW YORK / GAZA: United Nations Secretary‑General António Guterres on Friday delivered a scathing critique of the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid initiative, declaring it “inherently unsafe” and stating bluntly, “It is killing people.”
Guterres expressed deep concern over the foundation’s militarized distribution model, which he says forces desperate civilians into dangerous zones. He added that UN-led humanitarian efforts in Gaza are being “strangled,” and warned that people were being killed “simply trying to feed themselves and their families.”
“The search for food must never be a death sentence,” he stated, reiterating a call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. reuters.com
Rising Death Toll at Aid Sites
Since the lifting of an 11-week blockade on May 19, UN officials report that over 400 Palestinians—and by some Gaza authority counts, as many as 549—have been killed while trying to access aid from both UN and GHF distribution sites. A senior UN human rights spokesperson confirmed that the majority of deaths occurred near GHF hubs.
Rights groups have echoed Guterres’ concerns, describing these locations as “death traps” and warning that the weaponization of food qualifies as a war crime. The UN rights office stated that more than 410 Palestinians have been killed near private aid hubs and called for immediate investigations.
Israeli and GHF Deny Allegations
Israel’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the UN’s criticism, accusing Guterres of aligning with Hamas to undermine GHF efforts. GHF itself stated no fatalities occurred at or near its distribution points and urged the UN to cooperate rather than “push false information.”
The foundation reported having delivered more than 48 million meals since May 26, and the U.S. has contributed $30 million in funding, calling on international partners to support the program.
Aid Crisis Continues
Guterres emphasized that Israel, as the occupying power, must facilitate aid deliveries and allow UN operations to proceed safely. He warned that UN aid workers are themselves facing starvation and pressed for the resumption of established humanitarian corridors.
