In Gaza, many people are trapped in a grim dilemma: they must choose between suffering starvation or risking their lives to obtain food. Since the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation began operating on 27 May, Palestinian attempts to reach food distribution points have frequently been met with lethal force from the Israeli military. Reports suggest that more than 410 Palestinians have been killed in such circumstances, with at least 93 others fatally shot while trying to approach the limited aid convoys organised by the United Nations and other humanitarian groups. Thousands more have been wounded in these incidents.

Each instance of violence against civilians must be thoroughly investigated without delay, and those responsible must be brought to justice. The deliberate or reckless use of firearms against non-combatants violates international law and amounts to a serious war crime.

The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate rapidly. The population faces acute food shortages and a lack of essential supplies, pushing the region toward famine. This crisis results from the ongoing blockade imposed by Israel, restrictions on humanitarian aid, and the widespread destruction of local agriculture and economic infrastructure. Additionally, forced displacements over the past nearly two years have compounded the humanitarian toll.

Humanitarian agencies, including the UN, struggle to operate under severe constraints imposed by Israeli authorities. Since early March 2025, only a handful of aid shipments have been allowed into Gaza, hampering efforts to deliver food, fuel, and critical medical supplies.

At distribution points run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation and UN convoys, disorder is common. Vulnerable groups—particularly women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities—face heightened risks of exploitation and abuse amid the chaos.

The military-controlled distribution of aid, combined with restrictions on access, violates international principles governing humanitarian assistance. Using food as a means of control and denying civilians access to life-sustaining resources is not only morally indefensible but also breaches international legal norms. Under certain circumstances, such actions may constitute war crimes or other serious violations of international law.

The Israeli military must immediately halt the use of force against civilians seeking food. Furthermore, Israel is obligated to permit the unobstructed entry and fair distribution of humanitarian aid throughout Gaza. The current restrictions on UN agencies and other relief organisations must be lifted without delay.

The international community has a responsibility to ensure that Israel, as the occupying power, meets its legal obligations to provide sufficient food and essential aid to the population of Gaza. Failure to do so risks exacerbating an already catastrophic humanitarian emergency.

UN