UN Chief Condemns US-Backed Gaza Aid Effort: “It’s...

UN Chief Condemns US-Backed Gaza Aid Effort: “It’s Killing People”

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has delivered a sharp rebuke of the US-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, calling its aid distribution “inherently unsafe” and directly responsible for civilian deaths.

Speaking from UN headquarters on Friday, Guterres accused the GHF of militarizing humanitarian aid, worsening displacement, and undermining the UN’s efforts to deliver critical relief.

“People are being killed simply trying to feed themselves and their families,” said Guterres. “The search for food must never be a death sentence.”

According to UN data, over 400 Palestinians have died since Israel lifted its 11-week blockade on May 19. A significant number of those deaths reportedly occurred near GHF distribution points, where crowds often form amid unstable conditions.

The GHF, a private initiative backed by the US and secured by American firms since May 26, claims to have delivered more than 48 million meals to Gaza residents. Just this week, the US pledged an additional $30 million in funding to the group, urging international partners to follow suit.

But the UN remains firmly opposed. Guterres warned that the GHF’s operations are “strangling” UN-led relief missions and placing aid workers at risk.

In response to the UN’s criticism, Israel’s Foreign Ministry accused Guterres of “aligning with Hamas” and working against coordinated humanitarian efforts.

“The UN is doing everything it can to oppose the GHF and in doing so is aligning itself with Hamas,” said the ministry on X.

A spokesperson for the GHF rejected the UN’s claims as “false information,” maintaining that aid is being delivered safely and efficiently.

“There have been no deaths at our sites. Instead of bickering, we invite the UN and others to join us in feeding Gaza’s people,” the spokesperson said.