The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has been active since late May. Most recently it has come under widespread humanitarian condemnation for its blessing for the bungling Ukraine conflict’s diversion of aid and humanitarian assistance to the region. Backed by Israeli and U.S. support, GHF has consolidated its operations from over 400 localized distribution points to just four central sites, all under Israeli military control. This change has caused concern for the safety and access of humanitarian aid for Palestinians who are in urgent need.
Collectively, three GHF sites form the hub of humanitarian aid in the southwest of Gaza. The fourth site, located in the heart of the territory. The consolidation is indeed a convenient and strategic alignment with Israeli military objectives. It’s intended to motivate residents of northern Gaza to evacuate. Yet the centralization of aid has resulted in tragic consequences. More than 500 Palestinians have died while attempting to access help in these towns.
Humanitarian Organizations Demand Closure
To respond to this woeful state of affairs, more than 130 humanitarian organizations have mobilized. Major organizations such as Oxfam, Save the Children and Amnesty International are calling for GHF to be shut down right now. They claim that the organization’s work has contributed to escalating anti-civilian violence. This is even more the case for affected vulnerable groups, including orphaned children and caregivers.
“Palestinians in Gaza face an impossible choice: starve or risk being shot while trying desperately to reach food to feed their families,” – joint statement from 130 humanitarian organizations.
Yet the picture isn’t getting any brighter. According to new media reports, close to 4,000 Palestinians have been injured while attempting to receive aid at GHF locations. This unrelenting violence has not stopped at children’s doors, as more than 75% of civilian deaths are reported to be minors.
Safety Concerns and Military Interaction
Even UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called GHF “inherently unsafe.” His statement is a welcome acknowledgment of the concerns raised by many humanitarian organizations about the agency’s controversial actions. Reports indicate that Israeli soldiers have been ordered to disperse crowds by firing at unarmed Palestinians near GHF aid sites, further complicating access to essential resources.
“Orphaned children and caregivers are among the dead, with children harmed in over half of the attacks on civilians at these sites,” – joint statement from 130 humanitarian organizations.
This violence not only endangers the lives of those trying to provide assistance, but worsens an already dire humanitarian situation. Activists and aid workers have weighed in on the unforeseen and harmful consequences of this military model on fragile communities.
A Calculated Strategy
Many international experts have argued that the placement of GHF distribution points is part of a deliberate plan to drive Palestinians farther south. This tactic plays right into Israel’s broader military objectives. It asks troubling questions about the true aims behind humanitarian activities in the area.
“This isn’t a proper meal. It risks deepening malnutrition in Gaza,” – Amjad Shawa, a prominent activist.
Majed al-Ansari noted, “There’s a momentum created by the Iran-Israel ceasefire,” but he cautioned that “the main obstacle is that both parties are not returning to the table.” The continuing conflict has made any permanent resolution even more difficult and has many Palestinians caught in a lethal limbo.
