The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has again paused its humanitarian aid efforts in the Gaza Strip, citing safety concerns after briefly resuming operations following a one-day suspension prompted by deadly violence near two of its aid centers. The initial pause came after reports of civilian deaths, including Palestinian casualties, though the circumstances remain disputed. GHF said its teams are halting distribution until further notice due to unsafe conditions for those seeking aid.
GHF humanitarian aid centers
Although GHF operates with backing from the United States and Israel, it has drawn criticism from other nations and international bodies, including the United Nations. With approval from the Israeli military, the group opened four distribution centers in late May to serve southern and central regions of the Palestinian territories.
Why GHF paused aid operations?
Reports from the Jerusalem Post and Reuters indicated that no violence occurred at the aid distribution sites. Instead, the closures were attributed to excessive crowding, which officials said created unsafe conditions for continuing operations. The organization announced the closure on its Facebook.
“The distribution centers in the Swedish Village in Tel Sultan and the Saudi neighborhood closed today after distributing all food parcels. Please note that the large crowds gathering early at the distribution sites hindered our ability to accurately schedule pick-up times,” the post said. “More importantly, these large crowds before the opening hindered our ability to deliver all available aid to the distribution centers.”
According to GHF, the group was able to hand out more than 470,000 meals at two of its centers, which brings the total number of meals distributed to 8,952,142.
The centers were closed on Wednesday as GHF officials said they were coordinating with Israeli authorities to ensure the areas surrounding their distribution sites remain safe and free from violence. However, two were reopened on Thursday.
Israel accused of killing civilians
The International Committee of the Red Cross reported that more than 27 people were killed Tuesday near one of GHF’s distribution centers. The Israeli military acknowledged opening fire near a food distribution center, stating the area lies within an active combat zone. According to the military, troops targeted “suspects,” as Palestinians moved toward their troops.
On June 1, Hamas claimed Israeli forces killed 31 civilians and wounded 176 others in a separate incident. Israel denied that its troops opened fire directly and said soldiers fired warning shots in the area. GHF also said the report was inaccurate.
Reuters reports that more than 80 people were shot and killed between June 1 and 3 near GHF’s distribution centers, with hundreds more wounded during the same period.
Despite reports of Palestinians being injured and killed, the GHF told the Jerusalem Post that all aid had been distributed safely and without incident since the centers opened.
“Despite the conditions in what often feels like a hopeless situation, the kindness and thankfulness of the Palestinian people to our team is all the motivation we need to keep doing what we are doing,” GHF Interim Executive Director John Acree said.
Widespread hunger in Gaza
The U.N. has warned of a growing risk of famine in Gaza as conditions worsen for the civilian population. Israel previously blocked aid from entering the enclave for 11 weeks beginning March 2, but later began coordinating with GHF to allow the flow of food and essential supplies.
The U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization says Gazans eat 67% of what a human body needs to survive as of May.
“The findings reveal systemic and escalating violations of both international human rights law and international humanitarian law, particularly concerning the right to adequate food, the prohibition of starvation as a method of warfare, and the protection of civilians in armed conflict,” the FAO said.
