The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) announced on Sunday that it will reopen one of its aid distribution centers in the Gaza Strip at noon local time (0900 GMT). This decision comes after the GHF had closed all its centers due to threats from Hamas and safety concerns.
Location and Safety Precautions
- The center is located in Rafah, southern Gaza.
- Residents have been warned not to approach the facility until the reopening time to avoid missing out on food packages.
Background on Aid Restrictions
The GHF had previously closed all its centers following a change in policy by Israel earlier this month. Israel relaxed restrictions on aid deliveries into Gaza due to international pressure and criticism over a prolonged blockade that has left millions without access to basic necessities like food and water.
A representative of the GHF stated, "We are pleased that we can resume our work. Our goal remains providing essential assistance to those who need it most."
Ongoing Control and Blockade
The Israeli military has maintained control over the territory since 2007, when Hamas took power from Fatah forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The blockade was further tightened during an 11-day war between Israel and Hamas last year.
International Pressure
In recent months, there has been increasing international pressure on Israel to:
- Ease restrictions on aid deliveries into Gaza.
- Allow more Palestinians with permits to travel abroad through Erez Crossing with Egypt.
Israel maintains that it controls goods entering or leaving the territory due to security concerns about smuggling weapons into Hamas-controlled areas. Critics argue that this is an excuse for a siege that amounts to collective punishment against civilians living in poverty.
Fuel Supply Issues
Palestinian officials have accused Israel of withholding fuel supplies necessary for electricity generation at power plants in northern Gaza. Residents are facing long hours without electricity during peak summer heat waves, with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius).
Israeli authorities claim they provide fuel supplies based on what they consider necessary for security reasons but do not clarify why they cannot increase these quantities.
Economic Challenges
Aid groups operating in Gaza report that many residents rely heavily on humanitarian assistance, as their income barely covers basic needs such as food and rent. This situation is exacerbated by high unemployment rates, despite efforts by Palestinian authorities to implement economic reforms aimed at improving living standards.
Gaza’s economy has been severely damaged by three wars between Hamas militants and Israeli forces since 2008, as well as years of closures imposed by both sides before last year’s conflict, which caused widespread destruction throughout urban areas, including homes, schools, hospitals, clinics, mosques, markets, and shops.
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