Cairo/Jerusalem/New York - The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an organization supported by the United States, announced that it would suspend aid distribution on Wednesday, citing security concerns for civilians near its distribution sites following the deaths of dozens of Palestinians.

The GHF urged the Israeli military to better manage pedestrian movement to minimize confusion or escalation, requesting clearer directives for civilians and improved training for soldiers to ensure safety during aid distribution.

A spokesperson for the GHF affirmed, "Our top priority remains ensuring the safety and dignity of civilians receiving assistance." In a continued military offensive in Gaza, an Israeli military spokesperson issued warnings to civilians against movement towards GHF aid distribution sites, labeling them as "combat zones."

Meanwhile, an Israeli airstrike resulted in the deaths of 18 individuals, including women and children, at a school sheltering displaced families near Khan Younis on Wednesday.

The new aid distribution system for over two million residents of the Gaza Strip, managed by a U.S. paramilitary company under the oversight of the Israeli military, has faced significant criticism from UN agencies and international humanitarian organizations.

Reports indicate that many recipients of the aid have encountered deplorable conditions, and numerous individuals have been killed or injured due to incidents involving Israeli soldiers opening fire.

In a recent occurrence on Tuesday, the Israeli military stated it fired upon a group of individuals perceived as a threat near a GHF distribution site, resulting in the deaths of at least 27 people and injuries to dozens more, although the GHF maintained that the incident took place far from its site.

A day prior, some Palestinians were able to secure limited aid, but described scenes of chaos as the entire population of Gaza is reportedly on the brink of famine, according to UN experts.

UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric condemned the aid distribution system established by the United States and Israel, labeling it as "unacceptable" and stating, "Civilians risk - and in several cases lose - their lives simply trying to obtain food."

UN officials have long criticized Israeli government policies and the prevailing chaos in Gaza for obstructing the delivery and distribution of humanitarian aid.

Israel, in turn, has accused Hamas of stealing aid, a claim the group denies.

On Wednesday, the United States exercised its veto power in the UN Security Council against a draft resolution demanding an "immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, adhered to by all parties." The resolution also called for the release of all hostages held by Hamas and the immediate lifting of all restrictions on the entry and safe, unhindered distribution of aid throughout the enclave, including by the UN.

Slovenian UN ambassador Samuel Zbogar, one of the ten elected members of the Security Council, stated before the vote, "It is high time to act.

It is our historical responsibility not to remain silent." The situation in Gaza, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict, raises significant concerns regarding humanitarian needs and the impact of military actions on civilians.