Asger Risom
A U.S.- and Israeli-backed aid group has closed all food distribution centers in Gaza, citing repeated gunfire near delivery points.
For months, humanitarian groups have warned of collapse in the Gaza Strip. With infrastructure in ruins and Israeli military operations expanding, food insecurity has reached critical levels. Aid has been slow to reach civilians, and relief efforts are now grinding to a halt as even basic safety cannot be guaranteed.
This week, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) announced the indefinite closure of all its distribution centers across the enclave, urging residents to steer clear of the sites for their own safety. The decision comes after multiple gunfire incidents near aid points — some fatal — in recent days.
Gunfire, chaos and growing fears
The GHF had opened two new food distribution centers in southern Gaza last week, adding to the four already operating across the territory. But by Wednesday, all had been closed.
The foundation said the following in a public message:
For your own safety, please do not approach distribution centers.
According to Digi24, gunfire near the aid centers occurred for three consecutive days in Rafah, with dozens of Palestinians reportedly shot near one of the distribution points.
The Israeli military initially stated that only warning shots were fired. On Tuesday, however, Israeli forces confirmed they had fired directly at individuals approaching soldiers after an initial round of warning fire.
Tensions rise as offensive intensifies
The GHF, which operates outside the traditional UN aid network, has faced criticism over alleged lack of neutrality — a charge it denies. The organization has now called on the Israeli military to take urgent action to ensure the safety of civilians around its distribution zones.
Israel’s military campaign in Gaza resumed with force following the collapse of a two-month ceasefire earlier this year. The renewed offensive follows the October 7 attacks by Hamas and allied groups, which left around 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 taken hostage.
Whether aid operations can resume in Gaza remains unclear. For now, the closure of food centers leaves already-struggling civilians even more vulnerable — with no timeline yet announced for reopening.