The United Nations human rights office has issued a strong condemnation of what it describes as the “weaponisation” of food aid in Gaza—labeling it a potential war crime. According to spokesperson Thameen Al‑Kheetan, Israeli-backed military oversight of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s aid distribution has resulted in at least 410 casualties—killed or wounded—as Palestinians risk their lives attempting to access food since late May.

These food distribution points, coordinated under Israeli protection, have become virtual death traps—forcing civilians into an impossible choice between starvation or being fired upon. Al‑Kheetan emphasized that using access to essential supplies like food as leverage in conflict scenarios constitutes a war crime and possibly additional violations of international law. He clarified that while a court of law must rule, the pattern of violence is deeply concerning.

This represents the UN’s most forceful criticism of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s “militarised humanitarian assistance” system, backed by Israel and the U.S. Israel denies the allegations, accusing Hamas of jeopardizing civilians by operating near aid sites. Nonetheless, UN rights officials have called for urgent investigations and renegotiation of aid delivery methods to prevent further civilian harm.