Food Distribution Sites in Gaza Shut Down Amid Ceasefire Agreement

Food distribution sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which has received backing from the United States and Israel, are being closed as part of a ceasefire agreement. This decision was confirmed by an Egyptian official and another regional source, according to information from the Associated Press on October 15, 2023.

Witnesses reported that three GHF distribution points were abandoned, specifically in Rafah, located in southern Gaza, and in the Netzarim area of central Gaza. The closures follow a series of dangerous conditions at these sites, which required aid-seekers to traverse areas with heavy Israeli military presence. Many have claimed that they faced life-threatening situations, with reports of Israeli troops opening fire to manage crowds, resulting in numerous casualties. The Israeli military maintains that any gunfire was limited to warning shots.

Hoda Goda, a local resident, described finding her usual distribution site in Rafah empty, with individuals dismantling structures to salvage wood and metal. Video footage circulating online showed people collecting scrap metal from the abandoned Netzarim site. As part of the ceasefire, Israeli forces withdrew from parts of Netzarim and are expected to vacate areas in Rafah soon.

According to a third official familiar with the situation, plans are in place to shift reliance to other humanitarian organizations to provide aid to Gaza. All officials requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the ceasefire terms. A spokesperson for GHF indicated that there will be “tactical changes” in their operations and “temporary closures” of some sites as hostages are transferred to Israel. They emphasized that the organization’s long-term strategy remains unchanged.

The United Nations, which had previously opposed GHF’s involvement, is preparing to increase aid deliveries to Gaza now that the ceasefire is in effect. The UN reported it has approximately 170,000 metric tons of food, medical supplies, and other humanitarian assistance ready for deployment pending Israeli approval. The Israeli military’s coordinating body for humanitarian aid in Gaza, COGAT, anticipates that aid shipments could rise to about 600 trucks per day, in line with the agreement’s stipulations.

UN humanitarian chief Fletcher confirmed that aid trucks began entering Gaza on October 15, including cooking gas for the first time in several months. While he noted that the scale of aid remains below expectations, the UN has developed a plan for the upcoming two months. This plan aims to restore essential medical services, deliver food and nutritional supplies, provide fuel, and facilitate debris removal across the territory. Fletcher remarked, “Much of Gaza is a wasteland,” but expressed determination to deliver aid to the population.

Although U.S. officials have not confirmed an end to GHF’s operations in Gaza, they have indicated that there are currently no plans to continue funding the organization. These officials, also speaking anonymously, suggested that GHF or a similar entity might still have a role if UN agencies are unable to meet the demand for assistance or prevent aid from reaching Hamas.

COGAT indicated that the future of GHF in Gaza remains uncertain, and the agency did not provide immediate comments regarding the organization’s potential end. GHF began its operations in late May 2023, following a prolonged blockade that had left Gaza’s population facing severe food shortages. The Israeli government established GHF to replace the UN’s food distribution efforts, claiming that Hamas was misappropriating substantial amounts of aid. The UN has refuted these allegations and opposed the establishment of GHF, arguing that it undermined Palestinian autonomy and could lead to further displacement of the population.

Throughout the conflict, the UN has coordinated a significant humanitarian operation alongside various aid organizations, distributing essential supplies at numerous centers across Gaza. The GHF distribution sites were positioned within areas controlled by the Israeli military, forcing desperate residents to make perilous journeys past military checkpoints. Reports indicate that over 2,500 individuals have lost their lives, with many more injured in their pursuit of aid, whether en route to GHF sites or amidst the chaos surrounding UN aid deliveries.

While GHF asserts that no violence has occurred within its aid sites, they acknowledge the inherent risks faced by individuals traveling on foot. The organization reported that since its inception, it has successfully distributed the equivalent of 185 million meals in Gaza.

The complexities surrounding the distribution of aid in Gaza continue to evolve amid the ceasefire and shifting humanitarian needs.