The United Nations human rights office has documented a series of attacks on Gazans waiting for aid, with hunger spreading due to Israel’s near complete siege on the enclave.
Since January, more than two dozen attacks on Palestinians waiting for desperately needed aid have been documented by the U.N. human rights office. These attacks have resulted in a dire situation in Gaza, with most food and water being prevented from entering the tiny enclave.
The office has not assigned blame for the attacks, but has documented at least 26 incidents since mid-January. One of the most recent attacks occurred on Thursday night at the Kuwait traffic circle in Gaza City, where hundreds of Palestinians were waiting for aid trucks. Health officials in Gaza accused Israeli forces of carrying out a targeted attack that killed 20 people, with witnesses reporting shelling at the scene.
The Israeli military, however, has blamed Palestinian gunmen for the violence and stated that it is reviewing the incident. This attack is just one of many that have occurred in March, with people being shot and killed or injured while waiting for aid at various locations in Gaza City.
Aid agencies, including the United Nations, have criticized Israel for blocking aid from entering Gaza and for restricting the distribution of humanitarian assistance. The United Nations office stated in a report that Israel’s choices of warfare methods have caused a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
As the situation in Gaza worsens, U.N. officials and relief groups have warned that the region is nearing famine due to inadequate food delivery. The Gazan Health Ministry has reported that at least 27 people, including 23 children, have died from malnutrition, dehydration, and lack of baby formula.
The United Nations human rights office has called on Israel to ensure that food and medical care are provided to meet Gaza’s needs. Aid agencies have emphasized the importance of facilitating humanitarian relief activities and ensuring the safety of aid distribution in the region.
