The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation halts operations following rising tensions and deadly incidents, igniting concerns over humanitarian access amid ongoing conflict.
IDF Declares Roads to Gaza Aid Centers as 'Combat Zones' Amid Closure for Aid Redesign
IDF Declares Roads to Gaza Aid Centers as 'Combat Zones' Amid Closure for Aid Redesign
Aid distribution centers in Gaza temporarily shut down as the Israeli military cautions that access routes are deemed unsafe.
Aid distribution centers in Gaza will remain closed for one day on Wednesday as the Israeli military, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), designated the routes leading to these centers as "combat zones." This closure follows a warning from the IDF after recent violence near the distribution sites.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which has recently begun operations with backing from the US and Israel, announced the temporary halt was necessary for "update, organization and efficiency improvements works." In light of the situation, the IDF has prohibited any entry to these centers or travel on the surrounding roads, citing safety concerns.
Reports from the Hamas-run Civil Defence Agency indicate that Israeli fire in the area resulted in the deaths of at least 27 Palestinians overnight, continuing a troubling trend with this being the third deadly incident near GHF distribution sites in just as many days.
The IDF has justified the lethal force, claiming that troops fired upon individuals moving towards them from unauthorized routes. The GHF has expressed plans to resume aid distribution on Thursday, but the ongoing violence raises alarm among humanitarian agencies warning of inadequate access to vital resources such as food and water for Gaza's civilian population.
The GHF's initiative aims to replace the existing UN-led aid distribution model, which Israel has claimed has been insufficient in preventing resources from being diverted by Hamas—a claim the UN denies. The new GHF distribution framework requires Gaza residents to visit a limited number of aid centers—controlled by Israeli forces and overseen by armed American contractors—resulting in extended travel and heavy lifting for those in need.
Critics of the GHF model argue that this approach compromises the accessibility of aid for many Gazans who must now travel long distances with heavy boxes. Meanwhile, the UN and other humanitarian organizations have voiced concerns about the GHF's adherence to humanitarian principles in its aid delivery.
On the same day, Reverend Dr. Johnnie Moore, a well-known evangelical leader and supporter of former US President Donald Trump, was appointed as the new chief of the GHF, taking over from Jake Wood, a former US marine who resigned, criticizing the organization's distribution model.
The Israeli military campaign in Gaza was launched in response to the deadly Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and the abduction of 251 others. Since that date, the health ministry in Gaza has reported that at least 54,470 people have lost their lives, including 4,201 since the resumption of hostilities on March 18. The situation continues to stir significant controversy surrounding the efficacy and ethical considerations of Israel's new aid distribution strategy.
