**UN Condemns Gaza Aid ‘Death Trap’ as Israeli Fire Kills Dozens**
The United Nations has condemned the Gaza Aid Distribution Foundation (GHF) for creating a “death trap” that is costing more lives than it can save. The condemnation comes after at least 46 people waiting for assistance were killed by Israeli fire in two incidents.
The latest deadly events have become a daily occurrence in Gaza, but have received relatively little attention outside the region since Israel’s attack on Iran over a week ago. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has been dire, with many civilians struggling to access basic necessities like food and medicine.
One widow, Umm Raed al-Nuaizi, spoke out against the Israeli fire that killed her son while he was collecting food for his hungry family. “Why is the life of our children deemed so cheap?” she asked. Her son is now in intensive care after being shot by Israeli forces.
**Hospital Overwhelmed**
The Al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat was overwhelmed with casualties, with every bed full and patients lying on the floor. An older man was laid down dead while his wife wept beside him. Hospital officials reported at least 21 people killed and about 150 injured in the incident.
The UN has accused the GHF of cooperating with Israel’s objectives in the 20-month war against Hamas, which violates humanitarian standards. The foundation uses armed security contractors and has an opaque funding source. The UN has refused to cooperate with the GHF, accusing it of being in conflict with international standards for aid distribution.
**UN Official Speaks Out**
Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian Refugees (Unrwa), spoke out against the GHF and Israeli actions. “The newly-created mechanism is an abomination that humiliates and lowers desperate people,” he said. “It’s a death trap that costs more lives than it can save.”
**IDF Responds**
The IDF responded to UN criticism by saying they allowed the GHF to operate independently in distributing aid to residents in Gaza, and are working to ensure its safe and continual distribution is in accordance with international law.
However, many Gazans disagree. Mahmoud Al-Ghura stated that the GHF aid centres are “death zones”. “My son was already martyred,” he said. “I’m afraid I’d be carrying a bag of flour if I went out to buy one. Every day, people die there. What can we do? What are we to do?”
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