Gaza aid centers close temporarily as shooting of civilians draws global outrage

Humanitarian aid distribution in Gaza faced a fresh setback on Wednesday after the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) announced the temporary closure of its centers, citing a need for “renovation, reorganisation and efficiency improvement.”

The decision comes just one day after 27 Palestinians were killed near one of the centers in southern Gaza, when the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) opened fire as crowds gathered to receive food.

The IOF, which confirmed the closures, issued a warning to residents to avoid roads leading to the GHF sites, declaring them “combat zones.” No further information was given on the duration or specifics of the so-called renovations.

The shooting incident has drawn international condemnation, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres calling the deaths of civilians seeking food “unacceptable.”

The IOF has denied deliberately targeting civilians, claiming troops opened fire on individuals who were “approaching in a way that endangered” soldiers. IOF spokesperson Effie Defrin confirmed an investigation is underway.

The GHF, which began operations just last week with US backing and private funding sources, has also denied responsibility. The organization employs US-contracted security forces and has faced criticism for operating without cooperation from the UN or major humanitarian agencies, who have raised concerns about the group’s ties to IOF interests.

Meanwhile, the UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk labeled attacks on civilians as “unconscionable,” warning they may constitute “a grave breach of international law and a war crime.” The International Committee of the Red Cross echoed those concerns, stating that Gazans are experiencing an “unprecedented scale and frequency” of mass casualty events.

As the situation worsens, the UN Security Council is set to vote on a resolution calling for a ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza. However, the measure is expected to be blocked by the US.

Despite recent announcements of eased restrictions on aid, the United Nations warns that the entire population of Gaza remains at risk of famine.