US-backed aid group halts Gaza delivery; Hamas denies threat

The US-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) says it paused all aid distribution on Saturday, citing what it described as “direct threats” from Hamas that endangered staff and civilians.

“These threats made it impossible to proceed today without putting innocent lives at risk,” the organisation said in a statement posted online. “GHF will not be deterred. We remain committed to safe, secure and independent aid delivery. We are actively adapting our operations to overcome these threats and fully intend to resume distributions without delay.”

A senior Hamas official, speaking to Reuters, denied any knowledge of the alleged threats aimed at the US-funded initiative.

The GHF project has faced backlash from UN agencies and established humanitarian organisations, who argue they already have the capacity to deliver aid effectively to the 2.3 million Palestinians trapped in Gaza under siege.