Pakistan, June 25 -- GENEVA - The United Nations has strongly condemned Israel's handling of food aid in Gaza, accusing the country of "weaponising food" and contributing to the worsening humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, UN human rights office spokesman Thameen Al-Kheetan said that Israel's military-backed food distribution efforts - mainly led by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) - violate international aid standards. He warned that denying food or restricting access to essential services can amount to a war crime.

Since GHF began operating on May 26, reports say over 400 Palestinians have been killed and thousands injured while trying to access food aid. Al-Kheetan said despe...