Disputed American-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation Terminates Humanitarian Work

Relief activities in the Palestinian territory
This organization had suspended its food distribution centers in Gaza following the halt in hostilities came into force six weeks ago

The disputed, US and Israel-backed Gaza relief foundation says it is terminating its relief activities in the Palestinian territory, following nearly half a year.

The foundation had already suspended its multiple aid distribution centers in Gaza following the truce agreement between Hamas and Israel was implemented recently.

The GHF aimed to circumvent United Nations channels as the primary provider of humanitarian assistance to Gazans.

International relief agencies refused to co-operate with its methodology, stating it was questionable and hazardous.

Many residents were lost their lives while seeking food amid chaotic scenes near the organization's distribution points, mainly through Israeli military action, as reported by United Nations.

Israeli authorities stated its forces fired cautionary rounds.

Program Termination

The foundation announced on the beginning of the week that it was concluding activities now because of the "effective conclusion of its humanitarian effort", with a aggregate of 3 million parcels containing the equivalent of more than 187 million meals distributed to Gazans.

The organization's top administrator, the executive director, further mentioned the US-led Civil-Military Coordination Centre (CMCC) - which has been created to help carry out the American administration's Gaza initiative - would be "taking over and developing the system the foundation tested".

"The organization's system, in which Palestinian factions were unable to divert and benefit from humanitarian assistance, had major impact in bringing Palestinian factions to negotiations and securing a halt in hostilities."

Comments and Positions

The militant group - which disputes allegations of misappropriation - approved the termination of the humanitarian foundation, based on information.

An official from said the organization should be held accountable for the harm it caused to local residents.

"We request all global human rights groups to ensure that it does not escape accountability after causing the death and injury of numerous Palestinians and obscuring the food deprivation strategy practised by the Israeli authorities."

Organization Timeline

The foundation started work in Gaza on 26 May, a week after Israeli authorities had somewhat relaxed a complete restriction on relief and commercial goods to Gaza that persisted for nearly three months and resulted in critical deficits of essential supplies.

After 90 days, a nutritional emergency was proclaimed in Gaza City.

The GHF's food distribution sites in southern and central Gaza were operated by United States-based protection companies and positioned in Israeli military zones.

Humanitarian Concerns

International organizations and their affiliates said the methodology violated the core assistance standards of non-partisanship, even-handedness and self-determination, and that guiding distressed residents into military-controlled areas was fundamentally dangerous.

United Nations human rights division stated it documented the fatalities of no fewer than 859 Gazans seeking food in the vicinity of GHF sites between spring and summer months.

Another 514 people were lost their lives close to the paths taken by United Nations and additional relief shipments, it further stated.

The majority of these individuals were killed by the Israeli forces, based on the agency's reports.

Conflicting Accounts

Israel's armed services stated its forces had released alerting fire at people who approached them in a "intimidating" manner.

The GHF said there were no firearm incidents at the relief locations and alleged that United Nations of using "false and misleading" figures from the Palestinian health authority administered by Hamas.

Ongoing Situation

The foundation's prospects had been uncertain since militant groups and the Israeli government approved a halt in hostilities arrangement to carry out the initial stage of the American administration's peace initiative.

The agreement stated aid distribution would take place "without interference from the two parties through the international bodies and their affiliates, and the Red Crescent, in conjunction with other worldwide bodies not linked whatsoever" with militant groups and the Israeli government.

UN spokesperson the international body's communicator declared this week that the GHF's shutdown would have "zero effect" on its operations "since we never collaborated with them".

The spokesperson additionally stated that while more aid was getting into Gaza since the truce was implemented on 10 October, it was "insufficient to satisfy all requirements" of the 2.1 million population.

Anthony Ray
Anthony Ray

A seasoned journalist with a passion for uncovering global stories and delivering insightful perspectives.