The U.S.-backed “Gaza Humanitarian Foundation” shut down its aid centers in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, following the deaths of dozens of people during recent aid distribution operations. The Israeli military stated that roads leading to these centers had been affected by ongoing security concerns.
The decision comes as the United Nations Security Council is set to vote Wednesday on a draft resolution calling for a ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access to the devastated Gaza Strip, which faces the threat of famine after more than twenty months of war and a strict blockade imposed by Israel for over two months — recently eased in part.
Although aid has begun trickling into the territory since Israel partially lifted the blockade, the United Nations described the assistance as “a drop in the ocean” compared to the dire needs of the population.
The Foundation had only launched its operations in Gaza just over a week ago. However, the distribution of aid was marred by chaos, with reports of casualties caused by Israeli fire near the aid centers, prompting widespread calls for a ceasefire and protection of humanitarian efforts.
