In Gaza, chaotic scenes unfolded as scores of Palestinians rushed to an aid warehouse on Wednesday amid a new U.S. and Israel-backed plan for aid distribution. The United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP) reported that desperate crowds attempted to break into the Al-Ghafari warehouse in Deir al-Balah for food supplies. Initial reports indicated that at least two people were killed and several injured during the incident, though the Israeli military stated it was unaware of any connection to their forces. This turmoil follows a hectic day when thousands flocked to a controversial aid center run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), implemented after Israel lifted a blockade on essential supplies amidst rising starvation concerns.
According to GHF, no injuries or deaths occurred during the initial days of their operations, contradicting claims from Gaza’s Hamas-run media that reported fatalities. The GHF has sought to quell concerns regarding its aid distribution efforts, which aim to provide resources from several distribution points in southern Gaza.
The United Nations has condemned this new initiative, calling it a “distraction” that undermines established humanitarian frameworks and threatens the independence of aid operations. They argue this plan may further displace Palestinians towards southern Gaza. Conversely, Israel claims it is necessary to prevent Hamas from diverting aid supplies, a statement contested by the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and other humanitarian groups, who say there’s no evidence of such diversion. This situation underscores the deep tensions between Israel, the U.N., and humanitarian efforts in Gaza as the region grapples with escalating crises.
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