The US-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) did not distribute any aid today as it urged Israel to enhance civilian safety beyond the boundaries of its distribution sites, following a week in which dozens of Palestinians seeking assistance were killed.
The GHF has requested the Israeli military to “manage foot traffic in a manner that minimizes confusion or escalation risks” near military areas, provide clearer guidance for civilians, and improve training to safeguard civilian safety.
Hospital officials reported that over 80 people were shot dead and hundreds injured near distribution points within a three-day span since Sunday, including at least 27 fatalities reported yesterday.
Local witnesses claim that Israeli soldiers opened fire on the crowds, who gathered before dawn in search of food.
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The military has denied accusations of indiscriminate shooting but acknowledged that soldiers fired at “suspects” who approached their lines after ignoring warning shots.
“Our highest priority remains ensuring the safety and dignity of civilians receiving aid,” stated a GHF spokesperson.
An Israeli military spokesperson cautioned civilians against entering areas leading to GHF sites today, labeling them “combat zones.”
The new aid distribution model for Gaza’s population of over two million, centered around just three sites, was introduced amidst a renewed offensive by Israel since late last month.
The UN and several other aid organizations have criticized this model, which relies on private US security and logistics personnel, claiming it militarizes humanitarian assistance.
The UN Security Council is expected to vote on a resolution calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
The Gaza health ministry reported that Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 95 Palestinians in the past 24 hours, which includes women and children in a school accommodating displaced families that was struck near Khan Younis.
Israel confirmed that one of its soldiers died in the ongoing conflict, following three reported deaths a day prior, as its forces continue their multi-month operation to eliminate Hamas militants and rescue the remaining hostages held in Gaza.
Meanwhile, the UN Security Council is preparing to vote later on a request for a ceasefire and improved humanitarian access across Gaza, where malnutrition is rampant and aid has scarcely flowed in since Israel lifted an 11-week blockade in late May.
“It is unacceptable. Civilians are risking and, in many instances, losing their lives just trying to obtain food,” remarked UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, adding that the aid distribution model supported by the US and Israel was “a recipe for disaster, which is what is currently occurring.”
The newly established GHF claims to have distributed over seven million meals since commencing operations a week ago.
GHF Interim Executive Director John Acree encouraged humanitarian workers in Gaza: “Collaborate with us, and we will ensure your aid reaches those who depend on it.”
Read more: Gaza aid: What is being delivered and who is distributing it?
Experts warn that the entire population of Gaza is at risk of famine despite repeated efforts to increase aid levels.
Last year, Jordan initiated humanitarian air drops, and the US briefly set up a floating aid pier, although both faced significant challenges.
The UN has consistently held Israel and prevailing lawlessness in the enclave responsible for obstructing the delivery of and access to aid in Gaza amid the ongoing conflict.
Israel accuses Hamas of diverting aid, a claim the group denies.
The ten elected members of the UN Security Council have requested the 15-member body to vote later on a draft resolution that demands “an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza respected by all sides.”
The draft resolution, as per Reuters, also calls for the release of all hostages held by Hamas and others and for the immediate lifting of all restrictions on the entry and safe, unhindered distribution of aid, including by the UN throughout Gaza.
“The time to act has already passed,” declared Slovenia’s UN Ambassador Samuel Zbogar to Reuters. “It is our historical responsibility not to remain silent.”
A man carries a young girl into Nasser Hospital after airstrikes impacted displacement tents in Khan Younis.
As the administration of US President Donald Trump seeks to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza, it remains unclear whether the US will veto the draft resolution, as it traditionally has with proposals unaligned with Israel’s interests.
Israel has rebuffed appeals for an unconditional or permanent ceasefire, arguing that Hamas cannot be allowed to remain in Gaza.
A spokesperson for the US mission to the UN stated: “We cannot preview our actions currently under consideration.”
A resolution requires nine votes in favor without vetoes from the permanent members, which include the United States, Russia, China, Britain, or France, to pass.
The conflict in Gaza has persisted since 2023 when Hamas militants killed 1,200 individuals in Israel during an attack on October 7, subsequently taking around 250 hostages back to the enclave, according to Israeli reports.
Many of those killed or taken hostage were civilians.
Israel’s military response has led to over 54,000 Palestinian fatalities, according to Gaza health authorities.
They do not differentiate between combatants and civilians, but claim that non-combatants have suffered the most from the bombardments, with thousands more bodies possibly trapped under debris.
‘Continuing deterioration of conditions’
James Elder, UNICEF’s spokesperson for Gaza, indicates a continuous decline in conditions within the enclave.
“There are ongoing denials of food, enforced starvation, and people being bombed while attempting to find shelter,” he reported.
“Everywhere we go, people are knocking on the windows in search of help. I’ve witnessed teenage boys in tears as they plead for assistance,” he shared on RTÉ’s Today with Claire Byrne.
Mr. Elder described the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation as a “veneer” that distracts from the true state of affairs on the ground.
“An effective aid system during the ceasefire involved 500 to 600 trucks daily and 400 distribution points. Now, we have only a few pallets and two distribution points.”
Additionally, no one was informed about the closures of Gaza’s humanitarian aid sites today, forcing individuals to walk up to 20 kilometers in search of aid, Mr. Elder noted.
He added that people have expressed that “it’s like the Hunger Games at aid distribution points” due to their desperation.
“It’s militarizing aid. It’s politicizing aid,” he asserted.
Mr. Elder stated that UNICEF is still managing to send in some trucks, but emphasized that “it is not nearly enough” and only a fraction of what is required.
“Currently, we have hundreds of trucks at the border,” he affirmed.
The conflict in Gaza has continued since 2023, following an attack on October 7, in which Hamas militants killed 1,200 individuals in Israel and took approximately 250 hostages back to their enclave, based on Israeli accounts.
Israel’s military campaign has resulted in the deaths of over 54,000 Palestinians, according to health officials in Gaza.
