After suspending operations due to security threats on Saturday, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S. and Israeli-supported organization, reopened one aid distribution center in central Gaza today while all others remain closed. Emphasis was placed on following strict safety protocols as one food box per family is limited distribution.
Why Is GHF Closing Its Initial Centers? GHF closed its four initial centers – which included Tel al-Sultan (Rafah) and other locations across southern Gaza–after staff reported direct threats attributable to Hamas, rendering activities impossible without endangering innocent lives and endangering lives of staff themselves. They informed The Guardian, Reuters.com and I24News that these threats “made it impossible” for GHF activities to continue safely without risking innocent lives being compromised.” reuters.com +9 | I24news i24news i24news i24news i24news i24news i24news i24news i24news i24news i24news i24news i24news i24news i24news i24news i24news
GHF accused Hamas of “manipulating distribution processes to divert aid,” impeding their ability to feed hundreds of thousands. Hamas denied its involvement and highlighted how well coordinated its aid operations are with UN aid operations; even promising armed protection for delivery convoys. Reuter’s.com. and I24news.tv provided Timeline Snapshots detailing Today’s Aid Setup respectively.
Morning (5 a.m.): The central Gaza hub was designated as the sole point of access available to recipients; signage reminded people to “one box per family”. Aljazeera.com +3 TimesofIsrael.com
Afternoon (expected): GHF initially announced two Rafah centers would open later today, but later withdrew this announcement and central Gaza remains as the sole operational hub. timesofisrael.com provides updates as they happen. i24news.tv +8 | timesofisrael com
Since May 26, GHF had been operating four distribution sites to deliver approximately 8 million meal boxes with U.S. logistical support to supplement severely limited U.N. aid operations due to an ongoing blockade. (Sources: Wikipedia +3 and Reuter’s.com).
But the closures hampered aid flow significantly. The U.N. has expressed alarm at diminishing aid access in Gaza–reporting hospitals operating with critical fuel shortages and widespread malnutrition among children–described current aid levels as “drops in the ocean” according to Reuter.com.
Security Risks at Sites Aid sites have been designated “combat zones” by the IDF, leading to violent incidents during earlier distributions. Reports reveal Israeli troops opening fire near GHF locations killing multiple Palestinians; since May 27 alone at least 110 have died at these centers with 583 being injured – see:alitatjazeera.com for details
U.N. officials have demanded investigations into these fatalities, warning that “militarized” humanitarian hubs pose grave dangers to civilians. OCHAopt.org and The Guardian both offer Live Blog Analysis on such events.
Aid Access: Reopening of the central site offers partial but essential relief–ensuring at least some access to aid during an otherwise dismal blackout situation.
Security Tightrope: GHF’s deliberate return highlights the acute peril associated with aid delivery during this conflict, balancing humanitarian necessity with staff and civilian safety concerns.
Broader Scenario: Gaza’s humanitarian situation is rapidly worsening, with only 38% of health facilities functioning, compounding mass displacement. Reuters.com/+1 for updates from The Guardian/The Guardian’s +1, I24NewsTV+7 (I-24 News TV Plus 7), TimesofIsrael.com+7 are good sources for updates today on what’s happening there
Will additional distribution sites open, or remain closed down?
How effective will GHF’s crowd-control and security strategies be?
What will the civilian response be, such as whether people risk travelling to the sole operational hub?
Will violence erupt near aid queues again?
Summary: Gaza enters another day of strain-tight aid delivery as one distribution hub operates under strict restrictions. All stakeholders–GHF, UN agencies, Hamas and Israeli forces–are under mounting pressure: reopening sites risks further violence while keeping them closed deepens the humanitarian crisis. Today’s limited opening will serve as an indicator as to whether accessing lifesaving aid will become realistically accessible or remains out of reach.