US-backed Gaza aid group to halt distribution on Wednesday, UN to vote on ceasefire demand

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, supported by the U.S., will not distribute any aid on Wednesday as it urges Israel to enhance civilian safety outside its distribution area, following the deaths of numerous Palestinians who were attempting to access aid.

The GHF stated it has requested the Israeli military to “manage pedestrian movement to reduce confusion or escalation risks” around military boundaries; create clearer instructions for civilians; and improve training to ensure civilian safety. The Israeli military reported on Tuesday that it shot at a group it perceived as a threat near a GHF food aid distribution area. The International Committee of the Red Cross reported that a minimum of 27 individuals were killed and many others harmed. The GHF stated the event was “far outside” its location.

On Tuesday, Palestinians receiving GHF food boxes recounted chaotic scenes, with no oversight of the supply distribution or ID checks, as people pushed for assistance. The U.N. Security Council is scheduled to vote on Wednesday regarding a request for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, alongside humanitarian access throughout Gaza, where aid has arrived slowly amid turmoil and violence after Israel ended an 11-week blockade in the area facing famine.

“It is unacceptable. Civilians are risking – and in several instances losing – their lives just trying to get food,” U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday, adding that the aid distribution model backed by the U.S. and Israel was “all a recipe for disaster, which is exactly what is going on.”

That model is run by the newly created GHF, which started operations in the enclave a week ago and said on Tuesday that it has given out more than seven million meals from three so-called secure distribution sites. GHF Interim Executive Director John Acree urged humanitarians in Gaza: “Work with us and we will get your aid delivered to those who are depending on it.”

The U.N. and various aid organizations are hesitant to collaborate with the GHF, citing concerns over its neutrality and a militarized aid distribution approach. GHF utilizes private U.S. security firms for aid logistics, amid growing famine risks for 2.1 million Gaza residents. Previous efforts, like Jordan’s humanitarian air drops and a temporary U.S. aid pier, faced significant obstacles.

The U.N. attributes aid delivery challenges to Israel and local instability, while Israel accuses Hamas of misappropriating aid. Recently, three Israeli soldiers died in conflicts, with Gaza officials reporting additional Palestinian casualties. The U.N. Security Council is set to vote on a resolution advocating for a ceasefire, hostages’ release, and unrestricted aid access in Gaza.