US-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's (GHF) aid distribution temporarily halted, new leader appointed; Israeli forces deem GHF access routes as combat zones.

Aid Distribution Suspended at Gaza Humanitarian Foundation Amid Violence

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), backed by the United States and Israel, will halt aid distribution in Gaza on Wednesday, following another day of violence by Israeli forces. Yesterday, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian aid seekers near a GHF distribution site, resulting in the deaths of at least 27 and more than 100 injuries.

Israel's military has declared that approach roads to the aid distribution centres will be considered combat zones on Wednesday, and warned Gaza residents to heed the GHF's announcement and stay away. In response, GHF stated that the temporary suspension was necessary for renovation, reorganization, and efficiency improvement work. They implored people to avoid the site until operations resume on Thursday.

Since GHF began operating in the enclave on May 27, over 100 Palestinians seeking aid have been reportedly killed by Israeli forces near GHF distribution centers. The killed Palestinians were desperately trying to obtain food supplies, triggering mounting international outrage. The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has demanded an independent inquiry into the deaths, along with holding the perpetrators accountable.

"It is unacceptable that Palestinians are risking their lives for food," Guterres said.

The Israeli military has admitted to shooting at aid seekers on Tuesday, claiming that they opened fire when "suspects" deviated from a designated route as a crowd of Palestinians approached the GHF distribution site in Gaza. Israel's military is currently investigating the incident and the reports of casualties.

Last Tuesday, GHF named Reverend Dr Johnnie Moore, an evangelical Christian leader and former adviser to the White House under President Donald Trump’s first term, as its new executive chairman. Moore has recently elicited concerns given his support for the controversial proposal Trump floated in February to hand over Gaza, forcibly remove the Palestinian population, and focus on real estate development in the territory.

Despite international opposition, Israel has previously been accused of weaponizing hunger in Gaza due to a months-long blockade on essential items such as food, medicine, water, and other necessities entering the war-torn territory. The GHF’s role in the ongoing crisis has been subjected to criticism for perceived bias, operational challenges, unclear funding sources, and a lack of neutrality. Additionally, the foundation’s former executive director, Jake Wood, resigned before the Gaza operation began, citing concerns about the organization’s impartiality and independence.

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Sources:

[1] "Israel's Weaponization of Hunger: US Evangelical Johnnie Moore's Gaza Foundation faces scrutiny." Middle East Eye, 8 Jun. 2023. Web. 9 Jun. 2023.[2] "Aid Group Board Members Resign Over Safety Fears." The Jerusalem Post, 7 Jun. 2023. Web. 9 Jun. 2023.

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Note: The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has faced numerous controversies, including operational and security issues, uncertainties regarding funding and transparency, the withdrawal of partners, and concerns about its relationship with Israel. These controversies have led to international scrutiny and reluctance to trust the organization. Recent violence around GHF aid distribution sites has only intensified these concerns. [Sources: 1, 2]

The temporary suspension of aid distribution at the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has intensified international concerns about the safety of Palestinians seeking aid, particularly in war-torn Gaza, where conflicts often intersect with general news topics such as politics and health.
Yesterday's incidents involving Israeli forces firing at Palestinian aid seekers near a GHF distribution site have prompted demands for independent investigations from global leaders like the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who finds it unacceptable that Palestinians risk their lives for basic necessities.
Amidst mounting outrage and investigations into the deaths of Palestinians near GHF distribution centers, accusations of Israel weaponizing hunger in Gaza due to a blockade on essential items continue to surface. One of the latest controversies faced by GHF concerns its relationship with Israel and perceptions of bias.
As GHF navigates these challenges, ongoing violence and security concerns linked to crime-and-justice issues will now also impact the efficiency improvement work mentioned in their announcement, adding another layer of complexity to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

US-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's (GHF) aid distribution temporarily halted, new leader appointed; Israeli forces deem GHF access routes as combat zones.