UN says attacks around Gaza aid sites 'a war crime'

The United Nations condemned attacks on civilians near an aid distribution site in Gaza, labeling them a grave breach of international law and a war crime. These attacks, occurring for a third consecutive day, resulted in dozens of deaths, with rescuers reporting that Israeli fire killed 27 people near an aid center in the southern city of Rafah on Tuesday. Jeremy Laurence, OHCHR spokesperson described the attacks as “unconscionable”.

Jeremy Laurence, OHCHR spokesperson said "Deadly attacks on distraught civilians trying to access the paltry amounts of food aid in Gaza are unconscionable. For a third day running, people were killed around an aid distribution site run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. This morning, we received information that dozens more people were killed and injured. There must be a prompt and impartial investigation into each of these attacks and those responsible held to account. Attacks directed against civilians constitute a grave breach of international law and a war crime."

Laurence’s statement echoed an earlier declaration by UN rights chief Volker Turk, who also classified the attacks as war crimes. The ongoing violence raised international concern over civilian protection amid the conflict.