The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a US- and Israel-backed organization, has extended the closure of its aid distribution sites in Gaza for a second day, citing ongoing “maintenance and repair work.”
In a Facebook statement, the GHF announced, “Distribution sites will not open as early as Thursday morning,” promising to share reopening details “as soon as work is complete.”
The group urged Palestinians to “follow the routes” designated by the Israeli military for “safe passage,” despite recent deadly attacks on civilians near these sites.
The suspension follows a series of Israeli attacks on aid seekers near GHF sites in Rafah.
On Tuesday, Israeli forces opened fire, killing at least 27 people and injuring 90, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health.
On Sunday, 31 were killed and over 150 wounded near the same site, with another death reported south of the Netzarim Corridor.
Monday saw three more killed and 30 injured.
The International Committee of the Red Cross reported a “mass casualty influx of 179 cases” from Sunday’s attack, with 21 dead on arrival, many suffering “gunshot or shrapnel wounds.”
Israel denies targeting civilians, with spokesperson Effie Defrin claiming soldiers fired warning shots at those not using “designated access routes” who “endangered” troops.
The GHF labeled reports of killings “outright fabrications.”
However, UN human rights chief Volker Turk condemned the “deadly attacks” as “unconscionable,” suggesting they constitute war crimes.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and UK Minister Hamish Falconer demanded independent investigations, with Falconer calling Israel’s measures “inhumane.”
Gaza’s Government Media Office described the attacks as part of a “genocide,” accusing Israel of luring starving civilians to “perilous red zones” for slaughter.
Israel’s broader assault continues, with 48 killed across Gaza on Wednesday, including 18 in a Khan Younis tent strike.
The genocide has killed 54,418 Palestinians and wounded 124,190, per Gaza’s Health Ministry, as the US vetoed a UN resolution for a ceasefire and unhindered aid access.