The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a US-backed aid group, has suspended its operations in Gaza for a day after Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian aid seekers near one of its distribution sites, killing at least 27 people and injuring over 100. The Israeli military has declared the roads leading to GHF’s distribution centers as “combat zones” and warned people in Gaza to stay away.
The GHF announced the temporary suspension, citing the need for “renovation, reorganisation and efficiency improvement work”. The group stated, “Due to the ongoing updates, entry to the distribution centre areas is slowly prohibited! Please do not go to the site and follow general instructions. Operations will resume on Thursday.”
International Outrage and Concerns Over GHF’s Neutrality
The killing of people seeking food supplies has sparked international outrage, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres demanding an independent inquiry into the deaths and calling for perpetrators to be held accountable. “It is unacceptable that Palestinians are risking their lives for food,” Guterres said. The UN and aid agencies have refused to work with GHF, accusing the group of lacking neutrality and being part of Israel’s militarization of aid in Gaza.
GHF’s new executive chairman, Reverend Dr Johnnie Moore, a US evangelical Christian leader, has defended the organization’s efforts, stating that GHF is “demonstrating that it is possible to move vast quantities of food to people who need it most — safely, efficiently, and effectively”. However, Moore’s appointment has raised concerns given his support for a controversial proposal by former US President Donald Trump to take over Gaza and remove the Palestinian population.
Background and Related News
The suspension of aid comes amid a deepening hunger crisis in Gaza, with the UN warning that the entire population is at risk of famine. Israel has been accused of “weaponizing” hunger in Gaza due to its months-long blockade on food, medicine, water, and other basic essentials entering the war-torn territory .