### Aid Distribution Centers in Gaza Close Amid Israeli Military Warnings

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has announced the temporary closure of its aid distribution centers on Wednesday. This decision follows the Israeli military's declaration that roads leading to these sites will be considered "combat zones."

The GHF, a controversial aid network backed by the US and Israel, initiated operations just last week. The organization cited reasons for the closure as being for "updates, organization, and efficiency improvements." However, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have explicitly warned that individuals will be "prohibited" from entering these distribution centers or traveling on the roads leading to them.

Tragically, at least 27 Palestinians lost their lives near a distribution center due to Israeli fire on Tuesday night, based on reports from the Hamas-run Civil Defence Agency. The IDF justified the action by stating that troops had identified suspects deviating from the designated access routes, marking the third deadly incident in recent days on routes to GHF sites.

GHF indicated that aid distribution would resume on Thursday. The suspension comes as Palestinians in Gaza face acute shortages of food, water, and other essential supplies, as continuously highlighted by international humanitarian organizations.

The new GHF distribution system aims to replace the UN-led aid network in Gaza, which Israel has criticized for allegedly failing to prevent supplies from being taken by Hamas, a claim the UN denies. Under this system, Gazans must collect supplies from a limited number of centers situated in Israeli-controlled areas, manned by armed American contractors.

In a significant development, Reverend Dr. Johnnie Moore, a Christian evangelical pastor and prominent supporter of US President Donald Trump, was named the new head of GHF on Tuesday. He succeeds Jake Wood, a former US Marine, who resigned and publicly criticized the GHF's operational model.

The recent escalation began on 7 October 2023, when Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza in response to a cross-border attack by Hamas that resulted in around 1,200 fatalities and 251 hostages. According to Gaza's health ministry, the conflict has since claimed at least 54,470 lives, including 4,201 deaths since Israel resumed its offensive on 18 March.

Meanwhile, in-depth discussions and investigations continue, with entities like the BBC examining potential war crimes in Israel and Gaza and evaluating deadly incidents near GHF aid sites.