U.S.-Backed Gaza Aid Group Plans to Halt Distribution as UN Prepares to Vote on Ceasefire

 

U.S.-Backed Gaza Aid Group Plans to Halt Distribution as UN Prepares to Vote on Ceasefire The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), supported by the United States, announced it will cease aid distribution on Wednesday amid escalating violence and concerns over civilian safety. The decision follows recent deadly incidents at aid sites, including the killing of dozens of Palestinians seeking food, leading to urgent calls for Israel to improve safety measures around aid operations. The GHF has requested the Israeli military to provide clearer guidance to minimize confusion and risks near its distribution points, but the situation remains volatile. The Israeli military warned civilians against moving in areas near aid sites, labeling them "combat zones," and a recent incident involved Israeli forces opening fire near a GHF distribution site.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council is set to vote on a draft resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional ceasefire across Gaza. The resolution also calls for the release of hostages held by Hamas, the lifting of all aid restrictions, and unhindered humanitarian access throughout Gaza. The voting comes amid a humanitarian crisis where aid supplies are critically limited, and the population faces widespread famine risk. The U.N. and many aid organizations criticize the current aid delivery model, which is run by the GHF using private security and logistics companies, arguing it is not neutral and militarizes aid efforts. The U.N. has long blamed Israel and ongoing conflict for obstructing humanitarian aid delivery into Gaza. Israel accuses Hamas of stealing aid distributions, a claim denied by the group.

The conflict, which escalated after Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel in October 2023, has caused immense suffering. Israel’s military campaign has resulted in the deaths of over 54,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities, while over 1,200 Israelis and 250 hostages remain in Hamas’s captivity. As the international community, including the U.S., pushes for a ceasefire, it remains uncertain whether the U.S. will veto the draft resolution at the U.N. Security Council, where five permanent members hold veto power. The vote is critical as global efforts to halt the violence intensify.

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