The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, today called for "immediate and impartial investigations" into Israel's killings of Palestinian civilians at aid distribution points in Gaza, warning these acts may constitute "war crimes."

Key Findings from OHCHR Statement:

1. Mass Casualties Documented:

   • 410+ Palestinians killed while accessing aid from the Israeli/US-backed "Gaza Humanitarian Foundation" since May 27

   • 93+ additional deaths documented near UN and other humanitarian convoys

   • 3,000+ injured in attacks on aid queues

2. Legal Violations Cited:

   • Unlawful use of firearms against civilians violates international law

   • "Militarization of humanitarian aid" by Israel endangers civilians

   • Starvation as a weapon (blocking food/fuel) may amount to war crimes

3. Humanitarian Catastrophe:

   • Civilians face "inhumane choice" between starvation or gunfire

   • Systematic destruction of Gaza's food production and economy

   • Less than 10 aid trucks/day entering since March 2 (vs. pre-war 500+)

4. UN Condemnation of Israeli Restrictions:

   • Obstructing UN aid operations (food, fuel, medical supplies)

   • Targeting women, children, elderly, and disabled at distribution points

   • Forced displacement policies exacerbating famine risks

Direct Quotes from Volker Türk:

• "Israel’s deliberate restrictions on lifesaving aid may constitute a war crime under international law."

• "Shooting people for trying to feed their families is unconscionable."

• "The world must act now to prevent Gaza from becoming a graveyard."

Urgent Demands to Israel:

✔ Cease fire on civilians seeking aid
✔ Lift all unlawful restrictions on UN/humanitarian agencies
✔ Allow full-scale food/fuel deliveries to prevent famine

Call to International Community:

• Pressure Israel to comply with ICJ orders on Gaza aid access

• Support ICC investigations into potential starvation crimes