Gaza aid centres to reopen after security upgrades

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) said it plans to reopen its aid distribution centres in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, though operations are expected to begin later in the day than they did earlier this week.

The centres were closed on Wednesday for what the foundation described as “renovation work.” The decision followed repeated reports that Israeli forces had killed people near food distribution sites in Gaza, prompting the GHF to improve security measures.

The GHF said in a statement on its Arabic-language Facebook page that efforts were under way to ensure food parcels could be distributed as safely as possible despite challenging conditions.

It urged all Palestinians travelling to the centres to use routes designated by the Israeli military for their safety.

The announcement did not specify which centres would reopen or provide exact opening times. The foundation said it would share further details once “maintenance and repair work” is complete.

The Times of Israel noted that the lack of clarity could make it difficult for Gaza residents to plan the often long journeys needed to collect aid.

The GHF had launched its distribution network just over a week ago after Israel, under international pressure, allowed limited humanitarian access following nearly three months of blockade.