UNITED NATIONS – UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly criticized a US-backed aid operation in Gaza, warning that it is dangerous and causing civilian deaths. He described the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) model as “inherently unsafe.”
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Guterres said, “Any operation that channels desperate civilians into militarized zones is inherently unsafe. It is killing people.” He stressed that humanitarian aid should not come with deadly risks, especially for families searching for food.
Since Israel lifted an 11-week aid blockade on May 19, more than 400 Palestinians have been killed while trying to access aid, according to UN figures. A majority of these deaths reportedly occurred near GHF distribution sites, which rely on private US firms for logistics and security.
Despite mounting criticism, the GHF claims its operations are safe and effective. “There have been no deaths at or near any of our aid sites,” a GHF spokesperson said. The foundation added it has already delivered more than 48 million meals since starting on May 26.
In response to Guterres, Israel’s Foreign Ministry accused the UN of siding with Hamas and undermining GHF efforts. “The UN is doing everything it can to oppose the GHF and is aligning itself with Hamas,” the ministry posted on X.
While Israel and the US defend the GHF, the UN insists its own aid operations are being “strangled.” Guterres reiterated that Israel, as the occupying power, is legally responsible for facilitating humanitarian access. He urged immediate political courage to reach a ceasefire and end the suffering.