Gaza is worse than hell on earth, says Red Cross chief

More must be done to end the crisis, warns charity boss, as aid operation is suspended after dozens killed seeking food

- TOM WATLING

Gaza has become worse than hell on earth, the president of the Red Cross has warned, as aid distribution centres in the territory closed for a day yesterday.

The controversial US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) announced late on Tuesday night it was temporarily shutting down operations in the strip after dozens of Palestinians were killed attempting to access its distribution centres.

It said it had asked the Israeli military to "guide foot traffic in a way that minimises confusion or escalation risks" near military perimeters, as well as develop clearer guidance for civilians and enhance training to support civilian safety. It added that their "top priority remains ensuring the safety and dignity of civilians receiving aid".

Mirjana Spoljaric, the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), told the BBC yesterday that the enclave had become "worse than hell on earth" and that states are not doing enough to end the war, end the suffering of Palestinians and secure the release of Israeli hostages.