The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an aid group supported by the U.S. and Israel, announced the temporary suspension of its distribution sites in Gaza on Wednesday, citing operational improvements. The closure comes amid escalating violence and Israeli military warnings declaring roads to these centers as active “combat zones.”
The decision follows a string of deadly attacks near GHF sites. On Tuesday, Israeli gunfire near a GHF distribution point in southern Gaza killed 27 people. A day later, 16 more were killed in separate airstrikes, including 12 in a single strike on a tent sheltering displaced individuals, according to Gaza’s civil defense agency.
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The United Nations has harshly condemned the incidents. Secretary-General António Guterres called the killings of civilians seeking aid “unacceptable,” while UN human rights chief Volker Türk described the attacks as “war crimes” and “a grave breach of international law.”
Despite Israel’s easing of its blockade on Gaza, the UN maintains that the territory remains on the brink of famine. The GHF, which began operations just a week ago and relies on private funding and U.S.-contracted security, has been criticized for allegedly aligning with Israeli military interests. Major humanitarian organizations have refused to collaborate with it.
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The Israeli military confirmed the temporary closure and issued a public warning advising people not to travel near the aid centers due to their classification as combat zones. The army has denied targeting civilians, claiming troops fired only at individuals perceived as threats.
Tragedy struck again when Reem al-Akhras, a mother, was killed while trying to collect aid. Her family mourned at a local hospital. “She went to bring us some food, and this is what happened to her,” said her tearful son, Zain. Her husband, Mohamed Zidan, added, “This is not humanitarian aid — it’s a trap.”
Meanwhile, international efforts to deliver aid continue. A boat organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which includes activist Greta Thunberg, left Sicily carrying food and essential supplies for Gaza. However, the Israeli military stated it is prepared to protect its maritime borders against unauthorized deliveries.
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The conflict continues to escalate. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 4,240 people have died since Israel resumed its offensive on March 18, bringing the total war death toll to 54,510, predominantly civilians. In contrast, Israel reports that 424 of its soldiers have been killed since the conflict began after Hamas’s October 2023 attack, which left 1,218 Israelis dead.
The UN Security Council is set to vote on a resolution demanding a ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza. However, the measure is likely to be vetoed by the United States, a key Israeli ally.
