The controversial American aid organization Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has once again stopped distributing food in Gaza. The organization had just reopened distribution points on Thursday after a previous closure.
“Please stay away from distribution sites for your safety,” the GHF reported on Facebook on Friday. All points where food packages were previously distributed are closed until further notice. It will be announced later when they will reopen.
The GHF had just reopened two distribution points on Thursday, after closing all four points on Wednesday. The organization did this because dozens of Palestinians had died and hundreds were injured during a stampede for aid. Around the distribution centers, several deaths and injuries occurred every day last week.
According to the health authorities in Gaza, Israeli troops are responsible for the deaths at the aid points. Israel acknowledges that it fired warning shots due to the large influx of people, but denies that it fired on civilians.
The activities of the GHF are very controversial. Traditional aid organizations, such as the United Nations and the Red Cross, are not happy with the approach of the American organization. It receives support from Israel. As a result, the GHF would not be neutral. Other aid organizations do not serve political interests.
“This is just another way of waging war,” said Thea Hilhorst, professor of Humanitarian Studies, earlier to NU.nl. She points out that Palestinians are deliberately lured to other areas because of the limited number of distribution points. That fits into the plan where Israel wants to permanently occupy Gaza.