### GHF Denies Reports of Violence Amid Temporary Aid Site Closures in Gaza

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) dismissed reports of violence at its aid distribution sites after being compelled to temporarily close multiple centers due to excessive crowding. The announcement came on Friday afternoon through an emailed statement and an earlier notice posted on Facebook.

GHF reasserted that despite some media claims, their operations proceeded without any disturbances. "At no point did violence occur," emphasized the organization. The official Facebook page of GHF serves as a direct communication mechanism to ensure the safe passage of Gaza residents, as noted in the statement.

The foundation revealed that on Friday alone, they successfully distributed 471,240 meals across two active sites located in Tal Sultan and the Saudi neighborhood. Cumulatively, GHF has delivered around 8,952,142 meals through approximately 140,640 aid boxes during their ongoing distribution efforts.

Despite the shutdown, the statement underscored the need for public safety, urging people to avoid aid distribution sites. Concurrently, an IDF spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, informed the public that movement to these sites was permitted from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. However, outside these hours, the area would be considered a 'closed military zone,' heightening the risk to civilian lives.

Earlier in the week, GHF had momentarily suspended its operations following shootings near their centers, which resulted in dozens of Palestinian casualties over three consecutive days. These incidents, which occurred near the Rafah site, prompted GHF to urge Israeli forces for heightened security measures around their distribution perimeters.

The Israeli military had disclosed that their soldiers fired warning shots on several occasions while dealing with advancing Palestinians. Nevertheless, GHF maintained that their aid distributions were carried out safely and without any violent incidents.

John Acree, GHF Interim Executive Director, praised the resilience and gratitude of the Palestinian people in a statement on Friday. He highlighted that their kindness fuels the foundation's commitment to continue its humanitarian mission and extended heartfelt Eid al-Adha greetings to the Gazans.