US-Backed Gaza Aid Group Extends Closure of Distribution Sites

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a US and Israel-backed organization, has extended the closure of its aid distribution sites in Gaza for a second day, citing “maintenance” work. The aid group (GHF) announced on Facebook that its distribution sites will remain closed until the work is complete, urging aid seekers to follow designated routes set by the Israeli military to ensure safe passage.

However, the Israeli military has warned Palestinians not to approach the sites, declaring access roads as “combat zones”.

This development comes after a string of deadly incidents near GHF distribution sites, including Israeli forces opening fire on Palestinians seeking aid, resulting in significant casualties.

On Tuesday, at least 27 people were killed and 90 injured in such an incident in Rafah, southern Gaza. Similar incidents occurred on Sunday and Monday, with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirming a “mass casualty influx” of 179 cases, including 21 patients declared dead upon arrival.

The ICRC has condemned the “unprecedented scale and frequency of recent mass casualty incidents”, while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has demanded an independent inquiry into the deaths. The UK has also called for an “immediate and independent investigation”, with UK Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer describing Israel’s aid delivery measures as “inhumane”.

Meanwhile, the US has vetoed a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, as well as unhindered humanitarian aid access.

The resolution received support from 14 council members, with the US being the sole dissenting vote. US Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, argued that the resolution would “undermine diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire” and “embolden Hamas”.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with at least 54,418 Palestinians killed and 124,190 wounded since Israel launched its war on Gaza in October 2023. In a separate development, a ship carrying humanitarian aid and featuring Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg is en route to Gaza, aiming to deliver aid to the besieged territory.