The UN on Tuesday called for dismantling the US/Israeli-backed aid distribution group in Gaza to allow experienced humanitarian organizations to provide unfettered aid to Palestinians, citing reports of war crimes at distribution points.

UN experts have warned that Israel is committing war crimes through Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) operations and is in breach of international law. They cited the reports of “indiscriminate fire” against civilians seeking aid at GHF-operated distribution sites.

“Nearly 1400 people have been killed and more than 4000 injured while seeking food. At least 859 people have been killed around GHF sites since the beginning of GHF’s operations in late May 2025,” the release stated.

The experts further warned that the US-backed GHF is “exploiting” the need for humanitarian relief to further military agendas. Experts argued that the “entanglement of Israeli intelligence, US contractors and ambiguous non-governmental entities underlines the urgent need for robust international oversight and action under UN auspices.”

The non-governmental GHF was established in May 2025 to distribute aid in the Gaza Strip. The GHF was criticized by the UN, who outlined that its agencies, including the Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), were prevented from delivering life-saving aid by Israeli blockades. Israel justified its decision as a means of preventing Hamas from receiving aid. In June, reports of civilian deaths around the aid distribution sites surfaced.

UN experts urged for the GHF to be dismantled and “its executives” held accountable.  They called for “experienced and humanitarian actors,” including the UN, to be allowed to resume provisions of aid to the Gaza Strip. They also called on the international community to “impose a full arms embargo on Israel due to its multiple violations of international law” and suspend any trade agreements which may be harming Palestinians.

As of this month, Palestinians are facing wide-spread starvation and famine. The UN confirmed that “one out of five children is currently malnourished in Gaza.” The UN Special Rapporteur on torture expressed concern over the starvation of civilians and vulnerable groups, stating that “the psychological impact of being deprived of food and water is inherently cruel.”

Israel, as an occupying power, has obligations under International Humanitarian Law which is binding on all states. In particular, it must adhere to Articles 18, 55 and 59 of the Geneva Convention IV and the Hague Convention. International law protects civilians during war time and occupation. Civilians must have unimpeded access to essential services and humanitarian relief, and the starvation of civilians as a method of warfare is prohibited.