The United Nations reported Friday that almost 800 Palestinians have died since late May while attempting to access humanitarian aid in Gaza. The majority of these deaths occurred near distribution sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a US and Israeli-backed organization.

The GHF, established in May after Israel imposed a two-month blockade on Gaza, claims to have distributed over 69 million meals. However, its operations have been chaotic, with frequent reports of Israeli forces firing on civilians waiting for aid.

The UN’s Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) documented 615 killings near GHF sites and another 183 deaths along aid convoy routes.

The OHCHR spokeswoman, Ravina Shamdasani, stated that most injuries were from gunshots, and that the situation, where people face the choice of starvation or being shot, is unacceptable.

The GHF denies that fatal shootings occurred near its aid distribution points. The Israeli army claims it has issued new instructions to its forces following reports of deadly incidents, stating that it allows the GHF to operate independently while maintaining its own operations in the area.

They maintain they are working to minimize friction between the IDF and the civilian population.

Adding to the grim toll, Gaza’s civil defense agency reported at least 30 more Palestinians killed on Friday alone, including 10 shot while waiting for aid in the Al-Shakoush area. The agency also reported widespread air strikes, drone attacks, and bombings across Gaza, further exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation.

A witness in southern Gaza described intense gunfire, air strikes, and the destruction of displacement camps.

The ongoing conflict, now in its 21st month, has displaced nearly the entire population of Gaza, forcing many to seek shelter in schools, which have themselves become targets of attack. The UN has repeatedly expressed serious concerns about the violation of international humanitarian law.