Over 800 Palestinians Killed While Collecting Aid in Gaza in Past Six Weeks – UN Report

Over 800 Palestinians Killed While Collecting Aid in Gaza in Past Six Weeks – UN Report
[Gaza, July 12, 2025] — The United Nations Human Rights Office has reported that at least 798 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks while attempting to collect humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip over the past six weeks. On Friday alone, 10 Palestinians were killed when Israeli forces opened fire at a relief distribution center in the Rafah area.

UN spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani stated in a press release:

“When people stand in line for food and medicine, and their choice is either ‘eat or be shot,’ that is completely unacceptable.”

In response to the incidents, the Israeli military said it has issued new guidelines for its ground forces and is conducting a thorough investigation. The army claims it is taking steps to “prevent potential clashes between aid seekers and soldiers.”

GHF vs. United Nations: A Dispute Over Aid Distribution

In late May, Israel eased a complete blockade that had lasted for more than two months. Following that, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) was formed with the support of the United States and Israel, effectively undermining the UN-led aid distribution system.

According to the UN, 615 of the fatalities occurred near GHF-operated distribution centers. However, GHF has denied the UN's findings, stating:

“These claims are false and misleading. Most of the deadly incidents occurred during UN convoy operations.”

Humanitarian Catastrophe and Ongoing Ceasefire Talks

Gaza’s Civil Defense Agency reported that a total of 45 people were killed in Israeli strikes on Friday alone.

Meanwhile, Israel and Hamas are engaged in indirect talks through Qatari mediation for a temporary 60-day ceasefire agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said:

“We may reach an agreement on a ceasefire within the next few days.”

However, Hamas remains firm in its stance, insisting that no deal is possible without the lifting of the blockade and the unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid. The group also opposes what it describes as Israel’s plan to forcibly displace Palestinians from Gaza.

The Human Cost of War

On October 7, Hamas attacks killed 1,219 Israelis, most of them civilians. Hamas also took 251 hostages, 49 of whom remain in Gaza. Israel claims that 27 of them have already died.

On the other hand, Gaza’s Ministry of Health reports that since the war began, 57,823 Palestinians have been killed—most of them women, children, and civilians.