Geneva: The UN human rights agency confirmed it has documented the killing of at least 613 Palestinians by Israeli occupation forces at Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid sites and near humanitarian convoys from the beginning of its operations to June 27.
According to Kuwait News Agency, during a press briefing in Geneva on Friday, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said that the death toll continues to rise significantly every day, and that many of the documented cases were caused by direct gunshot wounds to the head.
"It is clear that the Israeli military has shelled and shot at Palestinians trying to reach the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation distribution points and near humanitarian convoys," she said, adding "We are still verifying the total number of deaths." She also highlighted the difficulties in verifying information, citing the lack of access for international press and UN staff, stressing "We need an independent investigation, we need access, and we need accountability for these killings." In the same press briefing, WHO Representative in the occupied Palestinian territory Rik Peeperkorn confirmed that most of the people killed and wounded treated daily at Nasser Hospital and Al-Shifa Hospital are victims of attacks on the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's aid distribution sites.
He noted that the majority of victims are boys, adolescents, and young men who approached these so-called "safe" sites, adding that "most injuries are caused by direct gunshots to the head, neck, chest, and knees." Peeperkorn warned of the "catastrophic and worsening situation" in Gaza's hospitals amid acute shortages of fuel, medical supplies, and the overwhelming number of casualties.
He also reported a sharp rise in meningitis cases among children, with some cases being bacterial and life-threatening. He explained that the surge is linked to overcrowding, poor hygiene, interrupted vaccination campaigns, and limited access to healthcare.
Peeperkorn further revealed that the latest medical evacuation operation involving 90 children and 39 caregivers to Turkiye and Jordan came under attack near checkpoints, leading to the destruction of buses and ambulances.
He added that no casualties were reported, but he described the incident as "horrific." Both UN officials renewed calls for the opening of all crossings, including those in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, to allow the entry of urgent humanitarian and medical supplies.