Gaza aid distribution centers will be closed Wednesday, as the Israeli military declared access roads “combat zones.”
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a US and Israeli-backed aid group launched last week, cited “updates and efficiency improvements” for the closure.
Separately, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced restrictions on access to the centers and surrounding roads.
Overnight Tuesday, at least 27 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire near a distribution center, according to the Hamas-run Civil Defence Agency.
This marked the third deadly incident in three days near a GHF site.
The IDF stated troops fired after identifying suspects deviating from designated routes.
Nasser Hospital director Atef Al-Hout reported numerous gunshot wound victims from Israeli fire on “civilians awaiting aid in western Rafa” following Tuesday’s incident.
Hamas’ Civil Defence Agency spokesman Mahmoud Basal stated civilians were targeted by tanks, drones, and helicopters near an aid site.
A foreign medic described the scene as “total carnage,” overwhelmed by casualties.
The IDF maintained it wasn’t preventing civilian access to aid.
GHF plans to resume distribution Thursday.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for an “immediate and independent” investigation.
Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric criticized the lack of clarity surrounding GHF operations and accountability, citing the presence of armed personnel near distribution points.
This unfolds as the UN warns over two million Gazans face starvation following an 11-week Israeli aid blockade.
GHF aims to replace the UN-led aid network, following Israeli claims—denied by the UN—of Hamas hijacking supplies.
The new system requires Gazans to collect aid from limited centers in Israeli-controlled areas, staffed by armed American contractors.
Critics highlight the long distances and heavy loads (20kg) Gazans must carry.
Dujarric deemed GHF’s approach “a demonstration of how not to do humanitarian aid,” jeopardizing lives by forcing long trips through a militarized zone.
He labeled the strategy “unacceptable,” echoing UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini, who called aid distribution “a death trap.”
The UN and other organizations accuse GHF of violating humanitarian principles.
Reverend Dr. Johnnie Moore, a prominent evangelical pastor, was appointed GHF head, replacing Jake Wood, a former US marine who resigned and criticized the GHF model.
Israel launched its military operation in response to Hamas’ October 7, 2023 cross-border attack, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages.
Gaza’s health ministry reports at least 54,470 deaths since then, including 4,201 since the offensive resumed March 18.
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