The IDF declares that the routes to Gaza aid centers are 'combat zones'

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a US and Israel-backed aid network, has announced the closure of its aid distribution centers in Gaza for a day on Wednesday to allow for "update, organization and efficiency improvements works." This comes after a series of deadly incidents near the centers, including one on Tuesday where at least 27 Palestinians were reportedly killed by Israeli fire. The Israeli military has warned that roads leading to these centers will be considered "combat zones" during the closure.

The GHF's distribution model has faced criticism for requiring Gazans to travel long distances to collect supplies from centers located in areas under Israeli military control and staffed by armed American contractors. This has led to several incidents of violence, with the latest occurring when Israeli troops fired on a crowd of civilians near the Rafah distribution site, causing numerous casualties.

The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has called for an "immediate and independent" investigation into the events and the GHF's operations. The UN has accused the organization of lacking clarity and accountability, with its spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stating that the model is "a demonstration of how not to do humanitarian aid" and that it "puts people's lives at risk."

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (Unrwa) has also condemned the strategy, with its head, Philippe Lazzarini, calling it "unacceptable." The UN has raised concerns that more than two million people in Gaza are at risk of starvation due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The GHF was established to replace the UN-led aid network in Gaza following accusations that the UN did not prevent supplies from being hijacked by Hamas, which the UN denies.

The situation remains tense in Gaza, with ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas contributing to the severe humanitarian conditions. Since the latest escalation began in March, tens of thousands of people have been killed and many more injured. The UN and other humanitarian organizations continue to advocate for a resolution to the crisis and the resumption of a more traditional and safe aid distribution system.
BBC News