The controversial aid organization Gaza Humanitarian Foundation was closed on Wednesday and therefore does not distribute aid to the Palestinians. Shooting occurred at the food distribution points in recent days. At least 27 Gazans were killed and 150 others were injured.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has asked the Israeli army to improve security measures around food distribution points, writes Times of Israel. Setting this up takes time, which is why the GHF is closing its doors on Wednesday.
Israel would carry out “logistical operations” so that they can better control the large crowds that come to the food distribution points. Safer access routes must be created before the GHF can reopen. The intention is that the aid point will reopen to the Palestinians on Thursday.
According to the Israeli newspaper, the army is in contact with the GHF. The IDF must “develop guidelines to help Palestinians safely reach the distribution locations.” The army would also receive training to ensure the safety of Palestinians.
However, major question marks can be placed on this. It was Tuesday the third day in a row that victims fell while picking up food packages. On Tuesday, at least 27 Palestinians were killed, reports the International Red Cross (ICRC) to Reuters. At least 150 people were also injured. Earlier, dozens of people were also killed daily at the aid points.
Israel designates aid points as combat zones
According to Israel, the army often fired warning shots, but “suspects” allegedly behaved strangely. That is why shots were fired again. It is not clear why the IDF shot at people who came there to pick up a food package. The army says it is investigating the matters, but in practice almost nothing comes of it.
The chance that there will be shooting again on Wednesday is high. Although the GHF is closed, the army warns that the roads to the aid points are considered combat zones. The army therefore warns that Palestinians should not come to the food distribution points on Wednesday.
Israel is now trying to use the GHF to “divert attention from other atrocities,” UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini told Reuters last week. UN organization UNRWA provided food aid in Gaza for a long time from hundreds of aid points. But an Israeli ban has made this help impossible.
The Israeli government would now use the GHF to achieve the war goals of the current offensive. One of the goals would be the relocation of all Gazans to the south of Gaza. There are also three of the four food distribution points in the southern city of Rafah.