UN Chief Deeply Shocked by Deaths Near Gaza Aid Center
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an independent and urgent investigation into the killing of Palestinians near an aid distribution centre in Gaza.
He said he was deeply shocked by reports of people being killed and injured while trying to collect aid.
Incident Happened in Rafah, Southern Gaza
The incident took place on Sunday in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza.
Many Palestinians had gathered near a relief centre to collect aid when, according to eyewitnesses, Israeli forces opened fire on the crowd.
Disputed Aid Center Run by Controversial Group
Witnesses said the aid centre is run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) — a group supported by Israel and the United States.
The shooting reportedly happened near this centre.
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Dozens Killed or Injured
- According to the Red Cross, 179 people were brought to their hospital, and 21 of them died.
- Gaza’s civil security agency said the death toll was 31.
Israel Denies the Allegations
The Israeli military has denied all accusations.
They claimed their forces did not fire on civilians in or around the area and called the reports false.
GHF also said the allegations were completely untrue and that they had found no proof of any attack near their location.
Difficult to Confirm What Really Happened
Israel does not allow international journalists to enter Gaza, making it very hard to verify exactly what took place.
UN Chief Demands Accountability
In his official statement on Monday, Guterres said:
“I am deeply saddened by the reports of deaths and injuries among Palestinians on Sunday while they were trying to receive aid. I call for a quick and independent investigation and demand that those responsible be held accountable.”
Photos Show the Aftermath
Photos taken on June 1st show Palestinians carrying dead bodies on carts after the attack near the aid centre in Rafah.
Israeli Response to UN Chief’s Comments
Israel’s Foreign Ministry called Guterres‘ comments “insulting” in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
They also criticized him for not mentioning Hamas in his statement.
UN Rights Chief Also Speaks Out
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk told the BBC that the way aid is currently being distributed in Gaza is “unacceptable” and “inhuman.”
Source: Prothom Alo
