International experts voice concern over alleged secret abductions of Gazans occurring at food relief locations
Title: UN Experts Condemn Enforced Disappearances of Palestinians Seeking Aid in Gaza
In the troubled region of Gaza, concerns have been raised over the safety and well-being of those seeking essential aid. The UN human rights office has documented a staggering number of 1,857 Palestinians who have been killed while seeking aid since late May, including 1,021 near the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distribution sites.
The GHF, a private organisation supported by Israel and the United States, has been established for food aid distribution, effectively sidelining UN agencies. This move has sparked controversy, with the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, along with other UN experts, signing a statement condemning these actions.
The experts warn that the distribution points pose additional risks for forcibly disappeared individuals. Aerial bombardment and daily gunfire at and around these sites have resulted in mass casualties, according to UN experts. The experts urge Israeli authorities to put an end to the enforced disappearances of vulnerable individuals in Gaza.
The number of Palestinians who have disappeared or gone missing in Gaza is over 9,000, according to the Palestinian Center for Missing and Forcibly Disappeared Persons. These disappearances are occurring across Gaza without specification to a single region. Israel's military is refusing to provide information on the fate and whereabouts of the disappeared individuals, which violates international law.
Israel has accused Hamas of looting aid supplied by the UN. In response, the UN has declared a famine in the Gaza governorate, blaming systematic obstruction of humanitarian deliveries by Israel. The experts say that using food as a tool to conduct targeted and mass disappearances is unacceptable.
The GHF has contracted private military security companies to ensure secure distribution sites. However, the experts express concern that these security measures may pose additional risks for enforced disappearances.
Israel's military is reportedly involved in the enforced disappearances of people seeking aid. The UN experts demand that the authorities clarify the fate and whereabouts of disappeared persons, investigate the enforced disappearances thoroughly and impartially, and punish perpetrators.
The UN has declared a famine in Gaza City, marking the first instance of famine in Middle East history. The situation is dire, and the international community is urged to take action to ensure the safety and well-being of those in need in Gaza.
