GAZA CITY: UN officials have raised concerns about a US- and Israeli-backed distribution system in Gaza, alleging that it is leading to mass killings of Palestinians seeking humanitarian aid.

This accusation has drawn criticism from Israel, which claims the UN is 'aligning itself with Hamas.'

Eyewitnesses and local officials have reported numerous incidents of Palestinians being killed while attempting to access aid at distribution centers.

The Israeli military has denied targeting civilians, and the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), backed by the US and Israel, denies any connection to these deadly incidents.

Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian affairs, stated, 'The new aid distribution system has become a killing field.

People are being shot at while trying to access food for themselves and their families.'

According to the Health Ministry in Gaza, over 500 people have been killed near aid centers since late May. Palestinians face dire circumstances, with thousands traveling long distances through Israeli military zones to reach these sites.

The Israeli civil defense agency has also reported fatalities among those seeking aid.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized, 'The search for food must never be a death sentence.'

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) criticized the GHF's efforts, labeling them as 'slaughter masquerading as humanitarian aid.' In response, Israel accused the UN of opposing its humanitarian operations and aligning with Hamas.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed claims that Israeli military commanders ordered soldiers to shoot at Palestinians seeking aid.

The Israeli military stated it did not instruct forces to deliberately target civilians, emphasizing directives prohibiting such attacks.

Israel imposed a blockade on Gaza, blocking food and supply deliveries for over two months starting from March.

However, the ban was lifted in late May, with GHF centers being secured by armed US contractors and Israeli troops.