UN Urged to Act as Palestinians Vanish at US-Israeli Backed Aid Sites in Gaza

Five cases referred to the UN as concerns grow over enforced disappearances during humanitarian aid distributions.

At least five Palestinians, including a teenager, have allegedly been abducted by Israeli forces while attempting to collect humanitarian aid from Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) sites in recent weeks, according to two human rights organisations.

Al Mezan Center for Human Rights and MENA Rights Group say the individuals disappeared between late June and early July from various GHF aid distribution points across Gaza. The organisations have referred these cases to the UN Working Group on Enforced Disappearances, warning that these incidents may represent a broader pattern.

Three of the five individuals are confirmed to have been taken by Israeli forces, the groups report, while the Israeli military denies involvement in the other two cases, including that of a 16-year-old student. The army said it would only launch an investigation if official ID numbers for the individuals were provided.

"These disappearances are just the beginning," the groups said in a joint statement. "We fear this is only the tip of the iceberg."

The GHF, which is backed by the US and Israel, has come under intense scrutiny in recent months. According to the United Nations, over 1,400 people have been killed near its aid distribution sites since 27 May-many of them reportedly seeking food or basic supplies. GHF maintains that its crowd control measures are limited to the use of pepper spray and warning shots.

Al Mezan and MENA Rights Group have demanded that GHF be "dismantled immediately" and replaced by a humanitarian initiative under UN leadership, in cooperation with UNRWA, the UN agency responsible for Palestinian refugees.

"GHF does not just fail to meet humanitarian standards-it is a deadly trap," said Issam Younis, director of Al Mezan. "It's being used to deepen famine and further Israel's genocidal policy against Palestinians in Gaza."

Middle East Eye submitted questions to the Israeli military about the cases, providing names, approximate times, and locations of the disappearances. The army responded that investigations would only proceed if ID numbers were included. MEE has also requested comment from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.

Stories Behind the Disappearances

The five individuals vanished over a three-week span at separate GHF distribution centers. One of the earliest cases involved 42-year-old Ramy Omar, a father of four daughters, who disappeared on 17 June near the al-Alam roundabout in Rafah.

According to MENA Rights Group, Omar had left the tent where he had taken shelter with other displaced people and joined a group heading to the GHF aid site. After hours of waiting, a drone reportedly instructed the crowd to disperse, saying no aid would be delivered.

Then, without warning, Israeli tanks surrounded the area and opened fire, according to eyewitness accounts. Amid the chaos, Omar vanished. His companions and family searched hospitals and nearby areas, but found no trace of him.

The rights groups say the other cases share similar patterns-civilians seeking aid disappearing after encounters with Israeli forces near GHF centers.

As of now, the fate of all five individuals remains unknown. Rights groups are urging the international community to take urgent action to ensure the safety of Palestinians seeking humanitarian assistance.