US-backed aid group yet to resume food distribution in Gaza
A US-backed private-sector foundation has yet to resume the distribution of food aid in the Gaza Strip. It had been scheduled to restart on Thursday.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation began providing food on May 27. But local authorities say Israeli forces have repeatedly opened fire on residents heading to distribution sites, causing casualties on a daily basis.
The foundation did not provide food on Wednesday, citing maintenance work such as "improving efficiency."
It said the distribution sites would not open on Thursday morning due to "maintenance and repair work." No further information has been released.
The United Nations and other organizations have repeatedly criticized the foundation and called for food aid deliveries and distribution to be carried out through the UN.
At a UN Security Council meeting on Wednesday, a draft resolution was submitted that called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and unhindered deliveries of humanitarian aid.
Fourteen of the 15 members of the Security Council voted in favor of the resolution, but the United States vetoed it. This is the first time the US has used its veto power since President Donald Trump took office in January.
The UN says Israeli troops have banned access to 82 percent of Gaza. There is growing concern that the humanitarian situation in the territory may further deteriorate.
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