The United Nations says it is shuttering all its food distribution centers in the Gaza Strip after dozens of people stormed one of its compounds to protest the suspension of cash assistance to thousands of families, The Associated Press reported.

The UN said Thursday the centers will remain closed until it can get security assurances for its property and staff.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency, known as UNRWA, assists Palestinian refugees and their descendants throughout the region. In Gaza, the agency runs dozens of schools and medical clinics and distributes food to many of the 1.7 million residents. The UN says it provides food to 25,000 people a day in Gaza.