UN calls for investigation into killings near Gaza aid distribution site

The UN secretary-general has called for an independent investigation into the killing of Palestinians near an aid distribution centre in Gaza on Sunday, amid disputed reports that Israeli forces had opened fire on people waiting to collect aid.

Witnesses reported being shot at while waiting for food from the centre in Rafah run by the US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

The Red Cross said its hospital received 179 casualties, 21 of whom were dead. The Hamas-run Civil Defence agency put the death toll at 31.

On Sunday, the Israeli military denied its troops fired at civilians near or within the site and said reports to this effect were false.

The GHF said the reports were "outright fabrications" and that it was yet to see evidence of an attack at or near its facility.

Israel does not allow international news organisations, including the BBC, into Gaza, making ing what is happening in the territory difficult.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement on Monday: "I am appalled by the reports of Palestinians killed and injured while seeking aid in Gaza yesterday.

"I call for an immediate and independent investigation into these events and for perpetrators to be held able."

Israel's foreign ministry responded by branding his comments a "disgrace" in a post on X, and criticised him for not mentioning Hamas.

Later on Monday, UN human rights chief Volker Türk told the BBC the way humanitarian aid is now being delivered is "unacceptable" and "dehumanising".

"I think what it shows is utter disregard for civilians. Can you imagine people that have been absolutely desperate for food, for medicine, for almost three months and then they have to run for it or try to get it in the most desperate circumstances"Palestinians carry aid supplies which they received from the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, June 3, 2025. " class="sc-d1200759-0 dvfjxj"/>