The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which recently announced large-scale aid distribution in Gaza, is facing scrutiny after distributing around 8,000 food boxes—equating to about 462,000 meals—following an Israeli lockdown.
GHF reported that the number of persons at their distribution center allowed them to manage the process while ensuring safety for recipients. However, Israeli military presence caused tensions, with reports of warning shots fired as Palestinians attempted to access the aid. No injuries were reported in this incident.
The GHF criticized Hamas for delays in assistance and has resumed operations despite tensions. Meanwhile, UN officials lamented the scene of desperate people at the distribution point, with OCHA criticizing U.S. and Israel-backed aid efforts as a distraction from effective humanitarian aid. They expressed concerns over transparency and neutrality, indicating that established UN systems should be utilized instead.
Despite criticisms, Israel defends its approach to aid distribution, asserting it is necessary to prevent supplies from reaching Hamas. The World Food Programme noted a lack of evidence that Hamas was intercepting aid.
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