Controversial US-backed GHF Aid Organization Ends Relief Activities

Humanitarian operations in Gaza
The GHF had suspended its relief locations in Gaza subsequent to the truce was implemented last month

The debated, United States and Israel-funded Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) declares it is concluding its relief activities in the Palestinian territory, following nearly half a year.

The group had previously halted its several relief locations in Gaza subsequent to the truce agreement between Hamas and Israel came into force in recent weeks.

The organization attempted to bypass the UN as the primary provider of humanitarian assistance to Gazans.

United Nations organizations and other humanitarian groups refused to co-operate with its methodology, claiming it was questionable and hazardous.

Hundreds of Palestinians were fatally wounded while attempting to obtain sustenance amid chaotic scenes near GHF's sites, mostly by Israeli fire, according to the UN.

Israeli authorities stated its troops fired alerting fire.

Operation Conclusion

The GHF said on the beginning of the week that it was terminating work now because of the "satisfactory fulfillment of its crisis response", with a cumulative three million shipments containing the corresponding to over 187 million food portions provided to residents.

The foundation's chief officer, Jon Acree, also said the United States-operated coordination body - which has been set up to help implement US President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan - would be "adopting and expanding the model GHF piloted".

"The organization's system, in which militant groups were prevented from misappropriating relief supplies, was significantly influential in bringing Palestinian factions to negotiations and achieving a ceasefire."

Comments and Positions

The Palestinian faction - which refutes aid diversion claims - supported the shutdown of the aid organization, according to reports.

An official from said the foundation should be held accountable for the negative impact it created to Palestinians.

"We call upon all international human rights organisations to guarantee that responsibility is assigned after leading to casualties and wounds of thousands of Gazans and obscuring the food deprivation strategy employed by the Israel's administration."

Foundation History

The GHF began operations in Gaza on May 26th, a week after Israel had partially eased a complete restriction on aid and commercial deliveries to Gaza that lasted 11 weeks and led to substantial deficiencies of vital resources.

After 90 days, a nutritional emergency was proclaimed in the Palestinian urban center.

The organization's sustenance provision locations in various parts of the Palestinian territory were operated by US private security contractors and positioned in regions under Israeli military authority.

Relief Agency Issues

International organizations and their affiliates claimed the approach contravened the basic relief guidelines of non-partisanship, even-handedness and self-determination, and that directing needy individuals into military-controlled areas was fundamentally dangerous.

United Nations human rights division stated it documented the fatalities of no fewer than 859 Gazans trying to acquire sustenance in the vicinity of GHF sites between late May through end of July.

A further 514 persons were fatally wounded around the paths taken by United Nations and additional relief shipments, it further stated.

Most of them were fatally wounded by the Israel's armed forces, based on the agency's reports.

Divergent Narratives

Israeli defense forces stated its forces had released alerting fire at people who approached them in a "threatening" way.

The GHF said there were no shootings at the aid sites and accused the UN of using "untrue and confusing" data from the Palestinian health authority administered by Hamas.

Ongoing Situation

The organization's continuation had been unclear since Hamas and Israel agreed a halt in hostilities arrangement to carry out the primary segment of the American administration's peace initiative.

It said humanitarian assistance would take place "without interference from the both sides through the international bodies and their affiliates, and the Red Crescent, in conjunction with other international institutions not associated in any manner" with Hamas and Israel.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Monday that the organization's termination would have "no influence" on its activities "because we never worked with them".

The official further mentioned that while increased relief was entering the region since the ceasefire took effect on early October, it was "inadequate to satisfy all requirements" of the over two million inhabitants.

Rachel Wood
Rachel Wood

A freelance writer and avid traveler who documents unique experiences and hidden gems from around the world.