United Nations Secretary‑General António Guterres has sharply criticized a U.S.-backed aid operation in Gaza, stating it is “inherently unsafe” and is killing people. Speaking on June 27, 2025, he highlighted how the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s model channels civilians into militarized zones, resulting in over 400 Palestinian deaths at or near aid sites since the blockade was partially lifted in May.
Guterres condemned the operation as a death sentence for those seeking food, decrying the strangulation of UN-led aid efforts. He also called for renewed political courage to establish a ceasefire, emphasizing access to lifesaving assistance should never cost lives .
In response, Israel rejected the UN’s claims, accusing it of siding with Hamas and undermining the humanitarian mission. Meanwhile, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation defended its work, denying any deaths near its sites and asserting it has distributed 48 million meals via privately secured operations.
Médecins Sans Frontières and UNRWA have also voiced strong concerns. MSF described the approach as “slaughter masquerading as humanitarian aid,” while UNRWA warned that weaponizing food may constitute war crimes—pointing to over 410 deaths during aid distribution since late May .
This fallout continues as Gaza faces dire humanitarian collapse: more than 56,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, and basic services remain stretched to breaking point .
