The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has escalated yet again, as the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) announced a suspension of aid distribution on Wednesday. The decision follows a deadly incident near one of its distribution sites, where dozens of Palestinians were reportedly killed while seeking food.
In a statement, the GHF said the pause is necessary to press Israel for improved safety measures around aid handover zones. The foundation has called on the Israeli military to implement clear civilian guidance, control foot traffic to avoid crowd chaos, and enhance safety protocols through better training.
“Our top priority remains ensuring the safety and dignity of civilians receiving aid,” said a GHF spokesperson, emphasizing the need for secure and humane distribution processes.
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However, the Israeli military has warned civilians to avoid areas near GHF distribution sites, declaring them “combat zones.” On Tuesday, the military said it opened fire on what it deemed a potential threat near a food aid site. The International Committee of the Red Cross later reported that at least 27 people were killed and many others injured in the chaos.
Eyewitnesses described harrowing scenes of desperation. Civilians scrambling for food were left without oversight—no identification checks, no crowd control, just disorder and panic. The GHF insisted the fatal incident happened “well beyond” the perimeter of its secure zone.
This tragic episode comes as the U.N. Security Council prepares to vote on a draft resolution calling for an “immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire” in Gaza. The resolution also demands the safe, unhindered distribution of humanitarian aid and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric strongly condemned the current aid model backed by the U.S. and Israel, calling it “a recipe for disaster.”
The model, executed by the newly formed GHF, relies on private U.S. security and logistics companies and has faced heavy criticism for being non-neutral and overly militarized. As a result, the U.N. and several other humanitarian agencies have refused to cooperate with the foundation.
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Despite the challenges, GHF claims it has distributed more than seven million meals from three secured sites since launching operations in Gaza just a week ago. GHF Interim Executive Director John Acree urged humanitarian organizations to join their efforts: “Work with us and we will get your aid delivered to those who are depending on it.”
Meanwhile, Israel continues to blame Hamas for obstructing aid deliveries, accusing the group of diverting supplies—an allegation Hamas denies.
On Tuesday, Israel reported the deaths of three of its soldiers in northern Gaza. Palestinian health authorities said 18 more people were killed in separate Israeli strikes throughout the enclave, though these reports could not be independently verified.
Previous attempts to deliver aid, including Jordan-led air drops and the U.S.-built floating pier, have faltered in the face of logistical hurdles and ongoing violence. The war, now grinding into its most chaotic phase, has left the entire population of Gaza—approximately 2.1 million people—on the brink of famine.
As the world watches and waits for the U.N. vote, the urgent need remains the same: a ceasefire, safe humanitarian access, and a system that prioritizes lives over logistics.
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