'Horrifying': UN Slams Israeli Actions in Gaza as More Aid Seekers Killed

 June 16, 2025 – The United Nations' top human rights official has issued a scathing condemnation of Israel's conduct in the besieged Gaza Strip, describing its warfare methods as inflicting "horrifying, unconscionable suffering on Palestinians." The strong remarks from Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, came today as reports emerged of more aid seekers being killed in deadly Israeli attacks across Gaza.

Speaking on Monday, Türk presented his annual report to the 59th Human Rights Council in Geneva, where he did not mince words about the devastating impact of Israel's military operations. He highlighted that over 19 months of Israeli attacks have now killed at least 55,362 people in Gaza, including thousands of children, according to health officials in the enclave.

His comments were delivered as medical sources in Gaza informed Al Jazeera that at least 20 Palestinians had been killed across the strip since dawn on Monday. Among these casualties, a particularly distressing report indicated that 15 aid seekers were killed near aid distribution points in Rafah, operated by the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an organization reportedly backed by the United States and Israel. Additionally, three more aid seekers were reported killed in northern Gaza, and two in an attack on Gaza City.

"Israel has weaponized food and blocked lifesaving aid," Türk declared, urging "immediate, impartial investigations into deadly attacks on desperate civilians to reach food distribution centres." He further criticized "disturbing, dehumanising rhetoric from senior Israeli government officials," which he said was "reminiscent of the gravest of crimes."

The GHF, which began distributing aid in Gaza at the end of May after Israel partially lifted a nearly three-month total blockade of essential items, has been a source of contention. The UN and major humanitarian groups have notably refused to cooperate with the GHF, citing concerns that its operations might prioritize Israeli military objectives over genuine humanitarian needs. Operations at GHF aid distribution hubs were temporarily halted earlier this month following several incidents of deadly violence, where Israeli forces reportedly opened fire on aid seekers.

On Saturday, the Ministry of Health in Gaza had stated that at least 274 people have been killed and over 2,000 wounded near aid distribution sites since the GHF commenced operations. Reporting from central Gaza, Al Jazeera described a situation of "chaos and despair" for Palestinians, forced to choose between starvation or risking their lives to obtain food.

Separately, Türk also voiced deep concern over the escalating fighting between Israel and Iran, which has claimed hundreds of lives, including many civilians. He called for "urgent diplomatic negotiations to end these attacks and find a way forward," stressing the need for "full respect of international law by both sides, in particular the protection of civilians in densely populated areas."