GHF Halts Gaza Aid for Safety Upgrades After Deadly Incidents; US Likely to Veto UN Ceasefire Push

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) announced it will suspend its food distribution activities on Wednesday to conduct logistical upgrades aimed at managing the increasingly large crowds and the disobeyance of rules at its aid centers.

A GHF spokesperson explained that this pause will also allow the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to enhance access routes to the distribution points before reopening on Thursday, following a third straight day of IDF soldiers being forced to open fire toward Palestinians seeking aid.

Meanwhile, the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesperson issued a public warning, declaring roads to the distribution sites off-limits, designating them as active combat zones.

Another GHF spokesperson told The Times of Israel that discussions with the IDF are ongoing to improve security measures around distribution areas.

To enhance safety, the foundation has requested that the IDF establish clearer pathways for pedestrians approaching aid centers, provide updated guidance to Palestinians, and improve its internal coordination and training to avoid additional incidents.

On three consecutive days—Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday—Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinians who reportedly strayed from approved routes to a distribution site in Rafah.

A senior Israeli military official told Axios that an initial investigation indicated the victims may have accidentally approached Israeli troops after losing their way to the aid center.

The US and Israel have championed the GHF initiative as a way to bypass Hamas, which have seized and misappropriated aid from UN-led handouts.

Since May 26, GHF has operated up to three distribution sites daily, including two in Rafah and one near the Netzarim corridor in central Gaza.

GHF has said it plans to expand into northern Gaza, but no timeline has been announced. Meanwhile, thousands continue to gather at existing sites, reflecting the worsening hunger crisis.

Aid was completely blocked from entering Gaza throughout March, April, and much of May, as part of Israel’s pressure campaign during hostage talks with Hamas.

GHF says it has distributed over 100,000 boxes containing more than 7 million meals in the past nine days.

Meanwhile on Tuesday, UN diplomats told Reuters that ten members of the Security Council have called for a vote on a resolution demanding “an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza respected by all parties.”

The draft also calls for the release of all hostages held by Hamas and the lifting of all barriers to large-scale aid delivery, including through the UN.

To pass, the resolution needs nine votes and no vetoes from permanent members—the US, UK, France, China, or Russia. However, the US is expected to veto it.