The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a private organization that disburses vital supplies to starving Palestinians in the Gaza war zone, temporarily suspended operations in the wake of controversy stemming from Israeli military operations in the area.
Backed by the U.S. and Israel, the aid site launched on May 26, but it has come under scrutiny amid allegations that the Israel Defense Forces engaged in deadly conflict with civilians seeking aid that it perceived as a threat. Israel confirmed forces shot at Palestinians approaching the troops but denied the casualty numbers reported by the Gaza health ministry.
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In light of safety concerns, the GHF confirmed it would shut down operations for the day on Wednesday as it works with the IDF to develop a more optimal security blueprint.
“We can confirm our site SDS1 was closed today,” a GHF spokesperson told the Washington Examiner. “GHF is actively engaged in discussions with the IDF to enhance its security measures beyond the immediate perimeter of GHF sites.”
GHF, which has delivered more than 7 million meals in roughly seven days to Palestinians mired in the Israel-Gaza conflict, said they are asking the IDF to take a number of steps “to support civilian safety beyond our direct operations.”
“We have asked the IDF to: Introduce measures that guide foot traffic in a way that minimizes confusion or escalation risks near IDF military perimeters; Develop clearer IDF-issued guidance to help the population transit safely; Enhance IDF force training and refine internal IDF procedures to support safety,” the GHF said. “These measures are part of our commitment to continuous improvements for civilian safety and risk reduction in one of the most complex humanitarian environments in the world. Our top priority remains ensuring the safety and dignity of civilians receiving aid. This is critical given that GHF is the only operation reliably delivering aid to the Gazan people at present.”
The move to suspend operations for a day to assess security concerns comes after multiple reports surrounding IDF activity near GHF sparked concerns that civilians were at risk of making their way to the novel aid operation.
On Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, the IDF fired several rounds in the direction of Palestinians who had veered off a pre-approved path to reach the distribution site. Israel said troops believed the individuals were a threat because they ignored initial “warning” shots.
Hamas health authorities claimed 31 people were killed on Sunday, three people were killed on Monday, and 27 were killed in the Tuesday incident. Israel says the terrorist group is inflating the numbers.
“Hamas disseminates false information, which is unfortunately taken by some international media without verification,” IDF spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said during a Tuesday press briefing.
The Sunday incident claimed particular attention, although the GHF has released evidence denying that such a “massacre” occurred and released video evidence it said proved the alleged attack was a lie.
GHF says it has delivered millions of meals since it launched last week “without incident.”
US PUSHES AHEAD WITH AID PLAN FOR GAZA WITHOUT UN SUPPORT
“GHF’s security-oriented model helped to ensure that no trucks were seized, no mass diversions occurred, and no incidents of violence were recorded at distribution sites against Gazans seeking aid or aid workers,” the private aid organization wrote in its most recent operational update.
The new aid operation distributes life-saving supplies directly to Palestinians. The strategy marks a striking departure from traditional aid distribution, which flowed through Hamas, the terrorist organization that controls Gaza and has been scrutinized for keeping supplies from starving civilians or charging them to obtain the goods.