US-backed Gaza aid group to halt distribution on Wednesday, UN to vote on ceasefire demand
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US-backed Gaza aid group to halt distribution on Wednesday, UN to vote on ceasefire demand
U.N. Security Council to vote on Gaza ceasefire demand, aid access. U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation will not give out any aid on Wednesday. GHF wants Israel to boost civilian safety beyond perimeter of its distribution sites. Israeli military warned civilians against moving in areas leading to GHF sites on Wednesday, deeming them “combat zones” Israel said on Tuesday that three of its soldiers had been killed in fighting in northern Gaza.. Gaza health officials said at least 18 more Palestinians were killed in other military strikes in the territory on Tuesday. The UN has long-blamed Israel and lawlessness in the enclave for hindering the delivery of aid into Gaza and its distribution throughout the war zone. It is the latest in a string of efforts to get more aid into the enclave, where experts say the entire population of some 2.1 million people is at risk of famine . Jordan last year spearheaded humanitarian air drops , while the U.K. briefly installed a floating aid pier, but it was beset by challenges.
US-backed aid group talking to Israel to improve civilian safety
UN blames Israel, lawlessness for hindering its aid operation
CAIRO/JERUSALEM/UNITED NATIONS, June 4 (Reuters) – The U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation will not give out any aid on Wednesday as it presses Israel to boost civilian safety beyond the perimeter of its distribution sites, a day after dozens of Palestinians seeking aid were killed
The GHF said it has asked the Israeli military to “guide foot traffic in a way that minimizes confusion or escalation risks” near military perimeters; develop clearer guidance for civilians; and enhance training to support civilian safety.
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“Our top priority remains ensuring the safety and dignity of civilians receiving aid,” said a GHF spokesperson. An Israeli military spokesperson warned civilians against moving in areas leading to GHF sites on Wednesday, deeming them “combat zones”.
The Israeli military said on Tuesday that it opened fire on a group of people it viewed as a threat near a GHF food aid distribution site. The International Committee of the Red Cross said at least 27 people were killed and dozens injured. The GHF said the incident was “well beyond” its site.
Palestinians who collected food GHF boxes on Tuesday described scenes of pandemonium, with no-one overseeing the handover of supplies or checking IDs, as crowds jostled for aid.
The U.N. Security Council is also set to vote on Wednesday on a demand for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas and humanitarian access across Gaza, where aid has trickled amid chaos and bloodshed after Israel lifted an 11-week blockade on the enclave where famine looms.
“It is unacceptable. Civilians are risking – and in several instances losing – their lives just trying to get food,” U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday, adding that the aid distribution model backed by the U.S. and Israel was “all a recipe for disaster, which is exactly what is going on.”
That model is run by the newly created GHF, which started operations in the enclave a week ago and said on Tuesday that it has given out more than seven million meals from three so-called secure distribution sites. GHF Interim Executive Director John Acree urged humanitarians in Gaza: “Work with us and we will get your aid delivered to those who are depending on it.”
U.S. VETO?
The U.N. and other aid groups have refused to work with the GHF because they say it is not neutral and the distribution model militarizes aid. GHF uses private U.S. security and logistics companies to get aid to the distribution sites.
It is the latest in a string of efforts to get more aid into the enclave, where experts say the entire population of some 2.1 million people is at risk of famine . Jordan last year spearheaded humanitarian air drops , while the U.S. briefly installed a floating aid pier, but it was beset by challenges
The U.N. has long-blamed Israel and lawlessness in the enclave for hindering the delivery of aid into Gaza and its distribution throughout the war zone. Israel accuses Hamas of stealing aid, which the group denies.
Israel said on Tuesday that three of its soldiers had been killed in fighting in northern Gaza. Gaza health officials said at least 18 more Palestinians were killed in other military strikes in the territory on Tuesday. Reuters could not independently verify the reports in northern and southern Gaza.
The 10 elected members of the U.N. Security Council have asked for the 15-member body to vote on Wednesday on a draft resolution that demands “an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza respected by all parties.”
The draft text, seen by Reuters, also demands the release of all hostages held by Hamas and others, and the immediate lifting of all restrictions on the entry of aid and its safe and unhindered distribution, including by the U.N., throughout Gaza.
“The time to act has already passed,” Slovenia’s U.N. Ambassador Samuel Zbogar told Reuters. “It is our historical responsibility not to remain silent.”
As U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration tries to broker a ceasefire in Gaza, it was not immediately clear if Washington would veto the draft text. A spokesperson for the U.S. mission to the U.N. said: “We cannot preview our actions currently under consideration.”
A resolution needs nine votes in favor and no vetoes by the permanent members – the United States, Russia, China, Britain or France – to pass.
The war in Gaza has raged since 2023 after Hamas militants killed 1,200 people in Israel in an October 7 attack and took some 250 hostages back to the enclave, according to Israeli tallies.
Israel responded with a military campaign that has killed over 54,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities, which do not distinguish between fighters and non-combatants.
Writing by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Stephen Coates
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Ceasefire Demand and Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: UN’s Urgent Resolution Vote
The U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has suspended aid operations. The GHF urged Israel to provide guidance and training to ensure civilian safety near military perimeters. The U.N. Security Council is poised to vote on a proposal demanding an immediate halt to hostilities.
The Israeli military’s recent actions have intensified calls for a ceasefire, with the United Nations Security Council poised to vote on a proposal demanding an immediate halt to hostilities and unrestricted humanitarian access across Gaza. As aid struggles to reach those in need, the GHF continues efforts despite pushback over its distribution model’s lack of neutrality.
This comes amidst a complex backdrop of ongoing conflict and humanitarian challenges, as the GHF and other organizations strive to deliver aid to Gaza’s 2.1 million residents. The U.N.’s draft resolution, calling for a ceasefire and safe aid distribution, faces an uncertain future given the geopolitical dynamics at play.
(With inputs from agencies.)
US expected to block Gaza ceasefire vote at Security Council
The UN Security Council will vote Wednesday on a resolution calling for a ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access in Gaza. It is the 15-member body’s first vote on the subject since November, when the United States — a key Israeli ally — also blocked a text calling for an end to fighting. The resolution additionally demands the lifting of all restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
It is the 15-member body’s first vote on the subject since November, when the United States — a key Israeli ally — also blocked a text calling for an end to fighting.
The new resolution, seen by AFP, “demands an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza respected by all parties.”
It also calls for the “immediate, dignified and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups.”
Underlining a “catastrophic humanitarian situation” in the Palestinian territory, the resolution additionally demands the lifting of all restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
It will be put to vote at 4:00 pm Wednesday (2000 GMT), but several diplomats indicated to AFP that they expected the United States to wield its veto power.
They added that the representatives from the 10 elected members of the Council, who will introduce the text, tried in vain to negotiate with the American side.
Israel has faced growing international pressure to end its war in Gaza. That scrutiny has increased over flailing aid distribution in Gaza, which Israel blocked for more than two months before allowing a limited number of UN vehicles to enter in mid-May.
But that, the United Nations said, was not enough to meet the humanitarian needs.
A US-backed relief effort called the Gaza Humanitarian Fund has also come under criticism for going against long-standing aid principles by coordinating relief efforts with a military belligerent.
Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian ambassador to the UN, on Tuesday urged the Council to act.
“All of us will be judged by history as to how much have we done in order to stop this crime against the Palestinian people,” he said.
US-backed Gaza aid group to halt distribution on Wednesday, UN to vote on ceasefire demand
The US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation will not give out any aid on Wednesday as it presses Israel to boost civilian safety. Dozens of Palestinians seeking aid were killed on Tuesday. The Israeli military said on Tuesday that it opened fire on a group of people it viewed as a threat near a GHF food aid distribution site. Palestinians who collected food GHF boxes on Tuesday described scenes of pandemonium, with no-one overseeing the handover of supplies or checking IDs, as crowds jostled for aid. The UN and other aid groups have refused to work with the GHF because they say it is not neutral and the distribution model militarizes aid, which is backed by the U.S. and Israel.The UN Security Council is also set to vote on Wednesday on a demand for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas and humanitarian access across Gaza. The entire population of some 2.1 million people is at risk of famine, experts say, and the UN has long-blamed Israel and lawlessness in the enclave.
The GHF said it has asked the Israeli military to “guide foot traffic in a way that minimizes confusion or escalation risks” near military perimeters; develop clearer guidance for civilians; and enhance training to support civilian safety.
“Our top priority remains ensuring the safety and dignity of civilians receiving aid,” said a GHF spokesperson. An Israeli military spokesperson warned civilians against moving in areas leading to GHF sites on Wednesday, deeming them “combat zones.”
The Israeli military said on Tuesday that it opened fire on a group of people it viewed as a threat near a GHF food aid distribution site. The International Committee of the Red Cross said at least 27 people were killed and dozens injured. The GHF said the incident was “well beyond” its site.
Palestinians who collected food GHF boxes on Tuesday described scenes of pandemonium, with no-one overseeing the handover of supplies or checking IDs, as crowds jostled for aid.
The UN Security Council is also set to vote on Wednesday on a demand for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas and humanitarian access across Gaza, where aid has trickled amid chaos and bloodshed after Israel lifted an 11-week blockade on the enclave where famine looms.
“It is unacceptable. Civilians are risking – and in several instances losing – their lives just trying to get food,” UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday, adding that the aid distribution model backed by the US and Israel was “all a recipe for disaster, which is exactly what is going on.”
That model is run by the newly created GHF, which started operations in the enclave a week ago and said on Tuesday that it has given out more than seven million meals from three so-called secure distribution sites. GHF Interim Executive Director John Acree urged humanitarians in Gaza: “Work with us and we will get your aid delivered to those who are depending on it.”
US VETO?
The UN and other aid groups have refused to work with the GHF because they say it is not neutral and the distribution model militarizes aid. GHF uses private US security and logistics companies to get aid to the distribution sites.
It is the latest in a string of efforts to get more aid into the enclave, where experts say the entire population of some 2.1 million people is at risk of famine. Jordan last year spearheaded humanitarian air drops, while the US briefly installed a floating aid pier, but it was beset by challenges.
The UN has long-blamed Israel and lawlessness in the enclave for hindering the delivery of aid into Gaza and its distribution throughout the war zone. Israel accuses Hamas of stealing aid, which the group denies.
Israel said on Tuesday that three of its soldiers had been killed in fighting in northern Gaza. Gaza health officials said at least 18 more Palestinians were killed in other military strikes in the territory on Tuesday. Reuters could not independently verify the reports in northern and southern Gaza.
The 10 elected members of the UN Security Council have asked for the 15-member body to vote on Wednesday on a draft resolution that demands “an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza respected by all parties.”
The draft text, seen by Reuters, also demands the release of all hostages held by Hamas and others, and the immediate lifting of all restrictions on the entry of aid and its safe and unhindered distribution, including by the UN, throughout Gaza.
“The time to act has already passed,” Slovenia’s UN Ambassador Samuel Zbogar told Reuters. “It is our historical responsibility not to remain silent.”
As US President Donald Trump’s administration tries to broker a ceasefire in Gaza, it was not immediately clear if Washington would veto the draft text. A spokesperson for the US mission to the UN said: “We cannot preview our actions currently under consideration.”
A resolution needs nine votes in favor and no vetoes by the permanent members — the United States, Russia, China, Britain or France — to pass.
The war in Gaza has raged since 2023 after Hamas militants killed 1,200 people in Israel in an October 7 attack and took some 250 hostages back to the enclave, according to Israeli tallies.
Israel responded with a military campaign that has killed over 54,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities, which do not distinguish between fighters and non-combatants.
At least 27 Palestinians killed near Gaza aid site; U.N. demands investigation
Israeli military says it fired at a group heading its way. U.N. demands investigation, warns of possible war crime. At least 27 Palestinians were killed and dozens wounded by Israeli fire near a food distribution site in southern Gaza on Tuesday. The deaths came hours after Israel said three of its soldiers had been killed in fighting in northern Gaza, as its forces pushed ahead with a months-long offensive against Hamas militants. On Monday, three Palestinians were reportedly killed by Israeli military fire during Sunday’s distribution of food in Khan Younis, south of Gaza. On Sunday, 31 Palestinians were reported dead and dozens more injured in the Gaza offensive, which began on June 1, with the Israeli military calling it a “humanitarian operation” The U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation launched its first distribution sites last week in an effort to alleviate widespread hunger amongst Gaza’s 2.3 million population, most of whom have been forced to abandon their homes to flee fighting. The Foundation’s operation, which bypasses traditional aid groups, has been fiercely criticised by the United Nations and established charities which say it does not follow humanitarian principles.
Israeli military says it fired at a group heading its way
U.N. demands investigation, warns of possible war crime
Three Israeli soldiers killed in separate incident
CAIRO/JERUSALEM, June 3 (Reuters) – At least 27 Palestinians were killed and dozens wounded by Israeli fire near a food distribution site in southern Gaza on Tuesday, health officials said, in a third day running of chaos and bloodshed to blight the aid operation.
The Israeli military said its forces had opened fire on a group of people they viewed as a threat after they left a designated access route near the distribution centre in Rafah and approached their positions.
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It added it was still investigating what had happened.
The deaths came hours after Israel said three of its soldiers had been killed in fighting in northern Gaza, as its forces pushed ahead with a months-long offensive against Hamas militants that has laid much of the enclave to waste.
Reuters could not independently verify the reports in northern and southern Gaza.
An International Committee of the Red Cross spokesperson said its field hospital in Rafah had received 184 casualties, adding that 19 of those were dead upon arrival, and eight died of their wounds shortly after.
Video showed injured people, including at least one woman, being rushed to a medical centre on carts drawn by donkeys.
Health officials said at least 18 more Palestinians were killed in other military strikes in the territory on Tuesday.
The United Nations human rights office in Geneva said on Tuesday the impediment of access to food relief for civilians in Gaza might constitute a war crime and described attacks on people trying to access food aid as “unconscionable”.
The head of the U.N. agency, Volker Turk, urged a prompt and impartial investigation into the killings.
Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer denied that civilians had been targeted.
“The IDF is doing everything in its power to allow Gazans to get to the humanitarian aid. The IDF is not preventing the arrival of Gazans at humanitarian aid sites. Indeed, we are encouraging it,” Mencer said.
PANDEMONIUM
The U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation launched its first distribution sites last week in an effort to alleviate widespread hunger amongst Gaza’s 2.3 million population, most of whom have been forced to abandon their homes to flee fighting.
Item 1 of 5 Mourners react during the funeral of Palestinians killed, in what the Gaza health ministry say was Israeli fire near a distribution site in Rafah, at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, June 3, 2025. REUTERS/Hatem Khaled [1/5] Mourners react during the funeral of Palestinians killed, in what the Gaza health ministry say was Israeli fire near a distribution site in Rafah, at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, June 3, 2025. REUTERS/Hatem Khaled Purchase Licensing Rights , opens new tab
The Foundation’s operation, which bypasses traditional aid groups, has been fiercely criticised by the United Nations and established charities which say it does not follow humanitarian principles.
The private group, which is endorsed by Israel, said it had distributed 21 truckloads of food early on Tuesday and stressed that the reported violence had not happened within its site.
“This was an area well beyond our secure distribution site and control. We recognize the difficult nature of the situation and advise all civilians to remain in the safe corridor when traveling to our distribution sites.”
Palestinians who collected food boxes on Tuesday described scenes of pandemonium, with no-one overseeing the handover of supplies or checking IDs, as crowds jostled for provisions.
“It is complete chaos and humiliation, and people have no choice but to keep coming because there is no food in Gaza,” said one Palestinian, who declined to be named, adding he was lucky to have survived the shootings.
MASS EVACUATIONS
On Sunday, Palestinian and international officials said at least 31 people were killed and dozens more injured. On Monday, three Palestinians were reportedly killed by Israeli fire.
The Israeli military has called reports of deaths during Sunday’s distribution “fabrications” by Hamas.
The military issued new evacuation orders for several districts of Khan Younis in southern Gaza late on Monday, telling residents to move west towards the Mawasi humanitarian area and warning that the army would act forcefully against militants in those areas.
Palestinian and United Nations officials say there are no safe areas in Gaza.
The territory’s health ministry said the new evacuation orders could halt work at the Nasser Hospital, the largest, still-functioning medical facility in the south.
Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza following the October 7, 2023 assault in which Hamas-led gunmen killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, by Israeli tallies.
In the subsequent fighting, more than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed, local health authorities say.
Meanwhile, recent efforts to secure a ceasefire appear to have stalled. Israel has said it accepts a U.S.-backed temporary truce to release hostages, while Hamas wants a permanent end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
Reporting by Nidal Al-Mughrabi in Cairo, Crispian Balmer in Jerusalem, Jana Choukeir, Olivia de Poidevin and Emma Farge; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Sharon Singleton
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