UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned a US-supported aid operation in Gaza, calling it “inherently unsafe” and blaming it for civilian deaths.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a scathing critique of the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) on Friday, saying the new aid distribution model is “killing people.”

Guterres accused the GHF of militarizing aid and forcing displacement, adding that the UN-led relief effort is being “strangled.” He said aid workers are starving, and civilians are dying simply trying to access food.

“People are being killed simply trying to feed themselves and their families. The search for food must never be a death sentence,” Guterres told reporters, urging an immediate ceasefire.

Since Israel lifted an 11-week blockade on May 19, over 400 Palestinians have reportedly been killed while seeking aid from both UN and GHF sites. A senior UN official said most deaths occurred near GHF distribution points.

Israel and the US have pressed the UN to cooperate with the GHF, but the UN has refused, citing neutrality concerns.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry rejected Guterres’ criticism, accusing the UN of siding with Hamas and undermining humanitarian efforts.

“The UN is doing everything it can to oppose the GHF and in doing so is aligning itself with Hamas,” the ministry said on X.

A GHF spokesperson denied any deaths at its sites and dismissed the UN’s claims as “false information.”

“Our aid is being securely delivered. Instead of bickering, we invite the UN and others to join us in feeding the people of Gaza,” the spokesperson said.

The GHF, operating with private US security and logistics firms since May 26, says it has distributed more than 48 million meals. The US State Department pledged $30 million to the group this week, calling for other nations to also contribute.

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