The Israeli military warned Palestinians in Gaza on Wednesday against approaching humanitarian aid distribution centers, which were abruptly closed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) for what it called “renovations, organization, and efficiency improvements.”
“Attention, residents of Gaza,” said Israeli military spokesperson for Arabic media Avichay Adraee on X. “Note GHF’s announcement: Aid distribution centers will not open tomorrow, June 4.” He added that roads leading to these centers are considered combat zones and “entry is strictly forbidden.”
The closures come as GHF, reportedly backed by both the US and Israel, suspended operations at its four distribution points across the besieged enclave. The centers had been functioning under limited conditions after Israel eased a three-month blockade following sustained international pressure.
Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that 27 people were killed and more than 160 injured in recent incidents where Israeli forces opened fire on civilians waiting for food parcels. Sky News cited unnamed medical sources who placed the death toll at 35.
CNN reported that a US consulting firm has canceled its contract with GHF, distancing itself from the organization amid growing scrutiny. GHF has yet to comment publicly on the termination.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday called for an independent investigation into the killing of dozens near one of the distribution sites. In response, Israel’s Foreign Ministry condemned the statement as “shameful,” accusing Guterres of ignoring Hamas’ actions.
The Israeli army claimed it opened fire after “identifying suspects approaching its forces” near the aid zone but did not provide details.
On March 18, the Israeli occupation army resumed its assault on the Gaza Strip, which originally began on Oct. 7, 2023. A ceasefire agreement initiated on Jan. 19 collapsed in March after Israel refused to fully implement its terms, including a complete troop withdrawal and prisoner exchange with Hamas.
The UN Security Council is expected to vote Wednesday on a resolution drafted by the council’s 10 elected members, demanding “an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza respected by all parties.”
The draft reiterates the demand for the release of all those held by Hamas and other groups following the Oct. 7 Al-Aqsa Flood. It describes Gaza’s humanitarian situation as “catastrophic” and calls for the removal of all barriers to aid delivery and its safe and unhindered distribution at scale, including by the UN throughout the enclave.
