Continued killing of civilians at Gaza humanitarian assistance distribution sites – Bond statement
Since late May, more than 400 Palestinians have reportedly been killed at food distribution points while trying to access humanitarian assistance in Gaza. Most deaths have occurred near sites administered by the US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. On 17th June, the Israeli military reportedly shelled a crowd waiting for UN food trucks in southern Gaza, killing at least 51 people and injuring some 200 others.
Bond has made the following statement in reaction to the continued killing of civilians trying to access food and humanitarian assistance at these distribution points in Gaza:
We continue to be deeply alarmed by the killing of civilians near humanitarian assistance distribution sites in Gaza. The pattern of mass casualties at or near humanitarian operations is unacceptable and must stop. The current approach is unsafe, politicised, and failing civilians. Replacing or bypassing UN agencies only increases risks and delays relief.
The UK government has expressed support for UN-led humanitarian coordination in Gaza and called for unimpeded humanitarian access. These commitments now require action, not repetition. No other entity can replace UNRWA’s function and ability to deliver humanitarian assistance. The UK must advocate for the UN and UNRWA’s ability to continue its critical work and the protection of Palestinian communities under international law and actively oppose the use of alternative, politically aligned humanitarian assistance distribution mechanisms that undermine neutrality and civilian protection.
ENDS.
Notes for editors
- Please refer to Relief Web for the latest updates on the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
- Many of Bond’s member organisations are actively working in the region providing humanitarian assistance to civilians.
- Read Bond’s reaction to Israel’s proposal to deliver humanitarian assistance through private companies.
- Bond is the UK network for organisations working in international development. Bond unites and supports a diverse network of over 350 civil society organisations from across the UK, and allies to help eradicate global poverty, inequality and injustice.
- For further information, please contact Jess Salter, Media Adviser at Bond at [email protected] or call 07392972411.
