The UN aid chief has said that recent “horrifying scenes” of Gazans being killed while seeking food aid were the result of “deliberate choices that have systematically deprived” them of essentials to survive, AFP reports.

“The world is watching, day after day, horrifying scenes of Palestinians being shot, wounded or killed in Gaza while simply trying to eat,” UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said in a statement.

“Emergency medical teams have confirmed treating hundreds of trauma cases. Yesterday alone, dozens were declared dead at hospitals after Israeli forces said they had opened fire.

“This is the outcome of a series of deliberate choices that have systematically deprived two million people of the essentials they need to survive.”

He echoed the call by UN chief Antonio Guterres for immediate independent investigations, saying they were not isolated incidents, and the perpetrators must be held accountable.

“No one should have to risk their life to feed their children,” said Fletcher.