GAZA CITY, Palestinian Territories: A US and Israeli-backed organization, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), has announced the temporary closure of its aid distribution sites in the Gaza Strip as of Wednesday, following warnings from the Israeli army that roads leading to these centers are classified as ‘combat zones.’ This decision comes after a series of violent incidents, including an Israeli airstrike that reportedly killed at least 16 individuals in the territory, with twelve fatalities occurring in a single strike on a tent sheltering displaced persons, according to the Gaza civil defense agency.

On Tuesday, a fatal shooting by Israeli troops near a GHF site claimed the lives of 27 people, prompting an investigation by the military.

In response to these events, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the loss of life among those seeking food aid, describing the situation as “unacceptable.” The UN Human Rights Chief criticized attacks on civilians as potential war crimes after earlier incidents near the same aid site.

Despite a recent easing of the blockade on Gaza by Israeli authorities, the United Nations continues to assert that the risk of famine remains significant for the territory's population.

The GHF indicated that it would close its centers for renovations and organizational improvements, with plans to resume operations the following day.

The Israeli army confirmed the GHF's operational pause and reiterated warnings regarding travel to distribution centers, which they deem unsafe.

The GHF, which commenced its operations less than two weeks prior, has faced skepticism and refusal of cooperation from major humanitarian organizations over concerns that it aligns too closely with Israeli military objectives.

Both Israeli authorities and the GHF have rejected claims that civilians were targeted during aid operations.

As international calls for a ceasefire grow due to worsening food shortages, a resolution advocating for such actions is set to be voted on by the UN Security Council.

However, it is anticipated that the United States, a key supporter of Israel, will veto this measure.

Recent violence has left families in mourning, as exemplified by the case of Reem Al-Akhras, whose family lamented her tragic death while she was attempting to gather food for them.

Her son expressed his devastation, questioning the nature of the humanitarian situation, and her husband lamented the ongoing violence against unarmed civilians.

The Israeli military maintains that it does not obstruct aid collection in Gaza, asserting that soldiers are only responding to perceived threats.

An army spokesperson stated that the military fired at individuals they believed posed risks to troops, noting that investigations are ongoing regarding these incidents.

The International Committee of the Red Cross has warned that the recent intensification of hostilities has resulted in an unprecedented number of casualties in Gaza.

The visuals of hunger and suffering have spurred international solidarity among activists, highlighted by a boat from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition departing from Sicily aimed at delivering aid, which includes provisions such as juices and essential food items.

This initiative includes well-known voices from the activism community, including environmentalist Greta Thunberg, who aim to create a humanitarian corridor to Gaza.

In defense of its maritime security, the Israeli military stated that it is prepared to act against any vessels attempting to breach its waters to deliver aid to Gaza.

The ongoing conflict, which escalated significantly since Hamas's attack on Israel in October 2023, has claimed over 54,000 lives, predominantly civilians, according to reports from the health ministry in Gaza.

The Israeli military has reported that 424 of its soldiers have been killed in the conflict since the hostilities began.