Gaza: At least 613 people killed near food distribution centers since late May

(Patria) - At least 613 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip since late May near food distribution centers and humanitarian aid convoys, according to United Nations data.

Of the 613 killings, 509 were recorded at controversial distribution centers managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF), said UN Office for Human Rights spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani today in Geneva.

GHF began operations in the Gaza Strip at the end of May after an almost three-month Israeli blockade of humanitarian aid.

GHF does not cooperate with UN organizations, which criticize the foundation for having far too few centers and for exposing those in need to extreme danger.

The Israeli army is responsible for the fatal incidents related to the distribution of humanitarian aid, according to Palestinian sources.

Rick Peeperkorn, the World Health Organization (WHO) representative in the Palestinian territories, confirmed that most of the deaths and injuries are related to GHF centers.

The incidents were reported directly to the WHO by medical personnel and relatives and friends of the victims, he said.

The victims are mostly boys who went to the centers for aid for their families when they were shot "in the head, neck, chest, abdomen, and knees," said the WHO representative at a video conference.