Gaza Humanitarian Foundation: A New Era in Humanitarian Aid Amidst Ongoing Conflicts The recent closure of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation marks a pivotal transition in the landscape of humanitarian aid. This development comes in the context of ongoing conflicts that continue to challenge the delivery of essential services and support to affected communities. As we navigate this new chapter, it is crucial to reassess strategies and foster innovative solutions to ensure that humanitarian...
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The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), supported by the United States and Israel, has announced the cessation of its operations in Gaza. This decision follows a brief period during which the organization sought to provide aid amid a tenuous ceasefire established six weeks prior.
According to GHF director John Acree, the organization aimed to present an alternative approach to delivering humanitarian assistance to Gaza’s residents.
Throughout its operations, GHF faced criticism for its lack of transparency, particularly concerning its funding sources and the identities of armed contractors involved in aid distribution.
The organization was created to serve as a counterbalance to the United Nations’ aid efforts, intending to prevent Hamas from misappropriating essential supplies.
Concerns over safety and access
Despite its intentions, the situation on the ground proved to be more complex.
Palestinians and humanitarian workers reported significant risks associated with accessing GHF aid sites. Many aid-seekers had to traverse areas secured by Israeli military forces, which were described as potentially hostile. Eyewitness accounts and social media footage indicated that Israeli troops occasionally fired upon crowds, leading to numerous casualties.
Responses from the Israeli military
In defense of their actions, the Israeli military asserted that any gunfire was limited to warning shots or responses to perceived threats. However, GHF acknowledged that while violence did not occur at the aid distribution locations, the journey to these sites was perilous. Reports from contractors, corroborated by video evidence, indicated that American security personnel employed live ammunition and stun grenades as desperate Palestinians sought food.
Transition of responsibilities
As it concludes its operations, GHF plans to transfer its responsibilities to the Civil-Military Coordination Centre (CMCC), a U.S.-led initiative established to oversee the ceasefire in Gaza. Acree noted that discussions with CMCC and other international entities have been ongoing, with clarity that the CMCC will adopt the aid distribution model trialed by GHF.
Established in late May, GHF emerged after Israel suspended food deliveries to Gaza for an extended period, worsening the humanitarian crisis. The Israeli government intended for GHF to replace the UN’s food distribution framework, alleging that Hamas was diverting a significant portion of the aid. The UN strongly disputed these claims.
Opposition from the United Nations
The establishment of GHF encountered resistance from the UN, which argued that it effectively ceded control of food distribution to Israel and could result in the displacement of Palestinian populations. Throughout the ongoing conflict, the UN and various aid organizations have engaged in substantial humanitarian efforts, distributing a wide array of supplies, including food, medicine, and fuel across numerous centers throughout Gaza.
In its final statement, GHF reported the successful delivery of over three million food boxes to the region, which amounted to approximately 187 million meals, highlighting its perceived achievements during its brief tenure.
Internal conflicts within the Israeli military
In a related development, tensions emerged within the Israeli military leadership. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and military chief of staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir publicly clashed over the inquiry into the events of October 7, when Hamas militants conducted a devastating attack resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths, primarily civilians, and the abduction of 251 others.
While Katz suggested a reevaluation of the military’s internal investigation, he announced a freeze on new military appointments pending the review’s outcome. This decision has drawn skepticism from Lt. Gen. Zamir, who expressed concerns that such actions could undermine military readiness and capabilities.
Seeking independent oversight
Throughout its operations, GHF faced criticism for its lack of transparency, particularly concerning its funding sources and the identities of armed contractors involved in aid distribution. The organization was created to serve as a counterbalance to the United Nations’ aid efforts, intending to prevent Hamas from misappropriating essential supplies.0
