The Media Line: Gaza Aid Sites Shut Again After Violence Near Distribution Centers 

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Gaza Aid Sites Shut Again After Violence Near Distribution Centers 

By The Media Line Staff 

All Gaza aid distribution sites operated by the Israel- and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) have been closed once again, the group announced Friday, citing safety concerns following days of violence near its facilities. The decision came just hours after two sites in Rafah briefly reopened and distributed nearly 25,000 food boxes, including over 18,000 at Tel Sultan’s “Swedish village” site and more than 6,700 in the Saudi neighborhood. 

Gazans were told to stay away from the aid distribution sites for their own safety. GHF said a reopening date would be announced later on. 

The closures coincide with the start of Eid al-Adha, a major Muslim holiday traditionally marked with feasts. 

Aid distribution sites closed briefly on Thursday following an alleged series of violent incidents outside the sites. The organization began distributing aid in late May following months of a near-total blockade on the Gaza Strip. 

GHF blamed “false reporting of violence” for discouraging desperate civilians from seeking aid. 

“False reporting of violence at our sites has a chilling effect on the local population, and we can think of no greater disservice to a community in dire need,” said GHF head Johnnie Moore. 

Gaza’s Hamas-backed Health Ministry claims dozens were killed or injured in recent clashes. Israel has disputed those claims, releasing one video it says shows Hamas fighters firing on civilians to prevent them from reaching food sites. 

While Israel supports GHF’s work as a way to bypass Hamas’s control over aid, critics, including United Nations officials, accuse the foundation of sidestepping established agencies.