The controversial, US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has announced its decision to wind down its aid operations in the Palestinian territory after nearly six months of activity. This announcement comes in the wake of the organization's suspension of its three food distribution sites in Gaza following a ceasefire that took effect six weeks ago.
Initially established to bypass the United Nations as the primary supplier of aid to Gaza's beleaguered population, the GHF faced allegations of unethical and unsafe operational methods from UN officials and other aid agencies.
Reports indicate that hundreds of Palestinians lost their lives while seeking food amidst chaotic scenes near GHF distribution sites, with many casualties attributed to Israeli military fire, which Israel characterized as warning shots.
As per GHF's recent statements, its winding down is due to what it calls the 'successful completion of its emergency mission', having delivered around three million packages, equating to more than 187 million meals to residents in distress. Jon Acree, the executive director of GHF, highlighted that the US-led Civil-Military Coordination Centre (CMCC) will continue to expand on GHF’s operational model in the future.
US officials claimed that the GHF's operational method helped facilitate dialogue with Hamas and successfully brought about a ceasefire. However, Hamas has openly criticized the closure of GHF, demanding accountability for the alleged harm it caused to the civilian population and calling for scrutiny from international human rights organizations.
The GHF began its mission on May 26, shortly after Israel eased a blockade on aid and commercial goods to Gaza. Despite early intentions to improve access to humanitarian assistance, their approach has been heavily scrutinized, particularly following the declaration of famine in Gaza City within three months of their operations.
The foundation's aid distribution occurred within Israeli military zones and was carried out by US private contractors, prompting even more criticism regarding the safety and viability of such operations. UN officials declared that the conditions established by GHF contravened fundamental humanitarian principles of neutrality and independence, with the UN’s human rights office documenting over 859 civilian deaths near GHF sites within the initial months of its operations.
Despite these challenges, GHF's leadership has disputed these claims, asserting there were no confirmed shootings at their aid sites and denouncing the UN for relying on misleading statistics.
As humanitarian needs continue to persist in Gaza, officials stress that the closure of GHF will not affect ongoing UN operations, though they acknowledge that the level of aid entering Gaza remains insufficient to meet the full needs of its 2.1 million residents.}
Initially established to bypass the United Nations as the primary supplier of aid to Gaza's beleaguered population, the GHF faced allegations of unethical and unsafe operational methods from UN officials and other aid agencies.
Reports indicate that hundreds of Palestinians lost their lives while seeking food amidst chaotic scenes near GHF distribution sites, with many casualties attributed to Israeli military fire, which Israel characterized as warning shots.
As per GHF's recent statements, its winding down is due to what it calls the 'successful completion of its emergency mission', having delivered around three million packages, equating to more than 187 million meals to residents in distress. Jon Acree, the executive director of GHF, highlighted that the US-led Civil-Military Coordination Centre (CMCC) will continue to expand on GHF’s operational model in the future.
US officials claimed that the GHF's operational method helped facilitate dialogue with Hamas and successfully brought about a ceasefire. However, Hamas has openly criticized the closure of GHF, demanding accountability for the alleged harm it caused to the civilian population and calling for scrutiny from international human rights organizations.
The GHF began its mission on May 26, shortly after Israel eased a blockade on aid and commercial goods to Gaza. Despite early intentions to improve access to humanitarian assistance, their approach has been heavily scrutinized, particularly following the declaration of famine in Gaza City within three months of their operations.
The foundation's aid distribution occurred within Israeli military zones and was carried out by US private contractors, prompting even more criticism regarding the safety and viability of such operations. UN officials declared that the conditions established by GHF contravened fundamental humanitarian principles of neutrality and independence, with the UN’s human rights office documenting over 859 civilian deaths near GHF sites within the initial months of its operations.
Despite these challenges, GHF's leadership has disputed these claims, asserting there were no confirmed shootings at their aid sites and denouncing the UN for relying on misleading statistics.
As humanitarian needs continue to persist in Gaza, officials stress that the closure of GHF will not affect ongoing UN operations, though they acknowledge that the level of aid entering Gaza remains insufficient to meet the full needs of its 2.1 million residents.}
