Health officials in Gaza reported that at least 27 individuals were killed by Israeli fire on Tuesday while waiting to collect food from a newly established aid distribution site.

This incident marks the third consecutive day of violence linked to the efforts coordinated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a body endorsed by Israel and backed by the United States.

Reports suggest over 80 fatalities associated with the food aid sites since they opened last week.

Witnesses indicated that Israeli forces opened fire on individuals deemed to be approaching the military perimeter near the GHF distribution centers, with the Israeli military describing the individuals as posing a threat after they reportedly ignored warning shots.

The UN and several aid agencies had previously expressed concerns over the legality of the GHF's operations, leading these organizations to refuse cooperation with the initiative.

In a resignation letter, a founding director pointed out that GHF would struggle to deliver aid while following fundamental humanitarian principles.

Key supplies, such as medications and essential non-food items, are not included in the distribution, and significant numbers of people remain unable to access the sites due to ongoing conflict, socio-economic deprivation, and health emergencies.

Since October 2023, Israel's military operations have intensified, and the region has faced an ongoing blockade with severe restrictions on food imports.

According to UN reports, Gaza has emerged as one of the most food-insecure regions globally.

Specifically, during a complete siege lasting over two months, essential food supplies were mostly cut off, prompting widespread fears of famine.

The ongoing conflict began when Hamas launched attacks into southern Israel on October 7, leading to the abduction of over 250 individuals and thousands of civilian casualties.

Palestinian health officials reported that the total death toll in Gaza has surpassed 54,000 since the resumption of hostilities.

Most casualties are reported to be women and children, although precise numbers differentiating between combatants and civilians have not been disclosed.

Additionally, on Monday, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement emphasizing the need for an immediate and independent investigation into the recent killings at the aid centers, describing the actions as 'unacceptable'.

In a related development, the GHF has announced a temporary closure of their facilities for renovations and efficiency improvements while operations will be paused.

The GHF stated that this was due to ongoing safety concerns and to enhance distribution mechanisms, asserting that all operations would resume shortly.

The rise in violence has fueled the ongoing debate surrounding the methods of aid distribution in conflict zones, with growing demands for accountability and adherence to international humanitarian law.

Israeli officials continue to defend their military actions as necessary for security, while also stressing that the GHF has employed private security contractors to oversee operations without supposed incidents of violence within aid distribution sites.

Conversely, international observers have categorized the recent violence as indicative of military overreach, particularly given the dire humanitarian context.

As these developments unfold, the international community remains watchful, urging for both heightened humanitarian relief efforts and an immediate resolution to the ongoing conflict.