Controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation to Shut Down Operations Amid Ongoing Violence.
The US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has announced its permanent closure, citing the successful completion of its emergency mission. The move comes after the company faced widespread criticism for its handling of food aid in the devastated territory.
Launched in March amid a worsening humanitarian crisis, GHF was seen as an alternative to the United Nations, which Israel and the US accused of inefficiency and looting by Hamas. However, international aid organizations refused to work with GHF, citing concerns over its opaque operations and alleged diversion of aid to Hamas's military and social activities.
GHF's distribution sites became flashpoints for deadly violence between May and October, resulting in the deaths and injuries of over 1,000 Palestinians seeking aid. The Israeli military claimed that it only fired warning shots to control crowds, while contractors working at GHF sites described US security guards using live ammunition and stun grenades against desperate civilians.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation had delivered more than 187 million meals to civilians in need, a figure the company hailed as a "record humanitarian operation." However, critics accused GHF of perpetuating harm and exploiting its aid for geopolitical purposes. A UN-mandated expert panel alleged that under GHF's operations, aid was being diverted for covert military and political agendas.
In light of these allegations, US officials are now transferring GHF's work to the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC), a new centre set up by the US in Israel to oversee ceasefire efforts and aid delivery. John Acree, a former senior official at USAID, described GHF's model as a "game-changer" that ensured food aid reached civilians safely without diversion to Hamas.
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, questions remain over the accountability of international organizations like the GHF for their role in exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. A spokesperson for Hamas has called on human rights organizations to ensure that GHF faces consequences for its alleged harm to Palestinians.
The US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has announced its permanent closure, citing the successful completion of its emergency mission. The move comes after the company faced widespread criticism for its handling of food aid in the devastated territory.
Launched in March amid a worsening humanitarian crisis, GHF was seen as an alternative to the United Nations, which Israel and the US accused of inefficiency and looting by Hamas. However, international aid organizations refused to work with GHF, citing concerns over its opaque operations and alleged diversion of aid to Hamas's military and social activities.
GHF's distribution sites became flashpoints for deadly violence between May and October, resulting in the deaths and injuries of over 1,000 Palestinians seeking aid. The Israeli military claimed that it only fired warning shots to control crowds, while contractors working at GHF sites described US security guards using live ammunition and stun grenades against desperate civilians.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation had delivered more than 187 million meals to civilians in need, a figure the company hailed as a "record humanitarian operation." However, critics accused GHF of perpetuating harm and exploiting its aid for geopolitical purposes. A UN-mandated expert panel alleged that under GHF's operations, aid was being diverted for covert military and political agendas.
In light of these allegations, US officials are now transferring GHF's work to the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC), a new centre set up by the US in Israel to oversee ceasefire efforts and aid delivery. John Acree, a former senior official at USAID, described GHF's model as a "game-changer" that ensured food aid reached civilians safely without diversion to Hamas.
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, questions remain over the accountability of international organizations like the GHF for their role in exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. A spokesperson for Hamas has called on human rights organizations to ensure that GHF faces consequences for its alleged harm to Palestinians.