UN Human Rights Office - OPT: UN Human Rights Office strongly deplores killing of at least 112 Palestinians during food aid distribution in Gaza City [EN/AR] - occupied Palestinian territory (original) (raw)

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Posted

1 Mar 2024

Originally published

1 Mar 2024

The UN Human Rights Office for the Occupied Palestinian Territory strongly deplores the killing of at least 112 Palestinians and 760 injured, reportedly by Israeli Forces (IF) shooting, as well as from trampling, and crushing through movement of vehicles, during attempted food aid distribution in Gaza City. The shooting by Israeli Forces killing and injuring people seeking aid raise serious concerns of violations of international law. Prompt, independent impartial and effective investigations are urgent and essential, to ensure accountability for any violations as well as with a view to reviewing rules of engagement for forces operating in populated areas.

From mid-January to the end of February 2024, the Office has recorded at least 14 incidents involving shooting and shelling of people gathered to receive desperately needed supplies at Al Kuwait Roundabout on Salah Ad Deen Road and Al Nabulsi Roundabout - two entrances to Gaza City - with a majority of these incidents resulting in casualties.

These killings are happening in the context of the complete breakdown of public order in Gaza which the UN Secretary General had forewarned in December 2023.

Israel's choices of methods and means of warfare have caused a humanitarian catastrophe. Such choices included the imposition of a siege on Gaza, other restrictions on humanitarian assistance and the distribution of commercial goods, vast destruction of civilian infrastructure, including roads vital for accessing the population, and restrictions on the movement between the north and south of Gaza. As a result, food distribution to civilians in need in the north of the Gaza strip has been rendered virtually impossible. The entire population is suffering acute food insecurity, approximately 25 per cent are already starving. By 29 February, at least nine children had reportedly died from starvation and malnutrition due to the lack of food in the north of Gaza.

Israel, as the occupying power, has the duty, to the fullest extent of the means available to it, to ensure the provision of food and medical care for the population commensurate with their needs. If it is unable to fulfill this duty, Israel has the obligation to facilitate humanitarian relief activities, including by ensuring the conditions of safety required for such activities. According to available information, Israel is not complying with these obligations.

ENDS

For more information and media requests, please contact:

Public Information Officer, Yusra Jamous - yusra.jamous@un.org

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