GAZA STRIP – A US and Israeli-backed group has temporarily halted food deliveries at its three distribution sites in the Gaza Strip following a series of deadly shootings that resulted in numerous Palestinian casualties. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) announced the pause on Wednesday after health officials reported that dozens of Palestinians were killed near the distribution sites this week.
The decision comes a day after Israeli forces acknowledged opening fire as individuals approached a GHF distribution hub in the largely uninhabited southern city of Rafah, which has been designated a military zone off-limits to independent media. According to Gaza health officials, the Red Cross, and the UN rights office, 27 people were killed on Tuesday, with witnesses attributing the violence to Israeli forces. The Israeli military stated that it fired near individuals it described as suspects who allegedly ignored warning shots.
Since the distribution sites opened last week, at least 80 people have reportedly been killed, including many in similar incidents over the weekend. GHF has stated that while there has been no violence at the aid sites themselves, it recognizes the dangers faced by individuals traveling to them on foot. Thousands of Palestinians have been walking to the sites early each morning, desperate for food and hoping to avoid the crowds, often passing near Israeli forces in the predawn darkness.
In response to the escalating violence, GHF has requested the Israeli military, sometimes referred to as the IDF, to implement measures that would better guide foot traffic and minimize confusion or escalation risks near military perimeters. The organization has also called for clearer guidance from the IDF to help the population transit safely and for enhanced military training to support safety.
The new aid distribution system, supported by Israel and the United States, aims to prevent Hamas from diverting aid for its militant activities. However, the United Nations has refused to participate in this system, arguing that it violates humanitarian principles by allowing Israel to control aid distribution and forcing Palestinians to travel to only three distribution hubs, two of which are located in Rafah.
The UN has previously stated that there has been no systematic diversion of aid by Hamas, asserting that it has mechanisms in place to prevent such occurrences. The ongoing blockade and military actions have left Gaza on the brink of famine, with experts warning that the situation could worsen if restrictions are not lifted.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the need for a comprehensive and effective aid strategy remains critical for the millions of Palestinians affected by the ongoing conflict.
