Disputed United States-funded Gaza Relief Group Ends Aid Operations

Humanitarian activities in Gaza
The foundation previously paused its food distribution centers in Gaza after the halt in hostilities took effect last month

The controversial, United States and Israel-funded GHF aid organization announces it is terminating its humanitarian work in the Palestinian territory, following nearly half a year.

The organisation had previously halted its three food distribution sites in Gaza following the truce agreement between Hamas and Israel took effect in recent weeks.

The GHF aimed to circumvent United Nations channels as the chief distributor of humanitarian assistance to Gazans.

International relief agencies would not collaborate with its approach, claiming it was improper and dangerous.

Hundreds of Palestinians were killed while seeking food amid turbulent circumstances near the foundation's locations, mostly by Israeli fire, as reported by United Nations.

Israel said its troops fired warning shots.

Mission Completion

The GHF said on recently that it was concluding activities now because of the "satisfactory fulfillment of its crisis response", with a aggregate of 3 million parcels containing the corresponding to over 187 million food portions provided to residents.

The GHF's executive director, the executive director, further mentioned the United States-operated coordination body - which has been established to help carry out the American administration's Gaza initiative - would be "implementing and enlarging the system the foundation tested".

"The organization's system, in which Palestinian factions were unable to divert and benefit from humanitarian assistance, played a huge role in convincing militant groups to participate and securing a halt in hostilities."

Reactions and Responses

The militant group - which disputes allegations of misappropriation - welcomed the closure of the aid organization, according to reports.

An official from said the organization should be subject to scrutiny for the negative impact it created to local residents.

"We request all international human rights organisations to ensure that it does not escape accountability after resulting in fatalities and harm of many residents and covering up the starvation policy practised by the Israel's administration."

Organization Timeline

The organization commenced activities in Gaza on 26 May, a week after Israeli authorities had somewhat relaxed a comprehensive closure on relief and commercial goods to Gaza that continued for 77 days and resulted in critical deficits of vital resources.

Subsequently, a nutritional emergency was proclaimed in Gaza City.

The GHF's food distribution sites in various parts of the Palestinian territory were managed by American private security firms and situated within areas controlled by Israeli forces.

Relief Agency Issues

United Nations agencies and their collaborators claimed the approach breached the fundamental humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence, and that directing needy individuals into militarised zones was inherently unsafe.

International human rights monitoring body said it recorded the killing of at least 859 Palestinians trying to acquire sustenance in the proximity to foundation locations between late May through end of July.

Another 514 people were fatally wounded around the courses followed by international humanitarian deliveries, it added.

Most of them were lost their lives due to the Israel's armed forces, according to the office.

Contrasting Reports

Israel's armed services said its troops had released alerting fire at people who approached them in a "threatening" way.

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

Future Implications

The foundation's prospects had been uncertain since militant groups and the Israeli government approved a halt in hostilities arrangement to execute the initial stage of the United States' reconciliation proposal.

It said humanitarian assistance would take place "without interference from the two parties through the UN organizations and their partners, and the Red Crescent, in addition to other worldwide bodies not connected in any way" with militant groups and the Israeli government.

United Nations representative Stephane Dujarric declared this week that the organization's termination would have "no influence" on its operations "because we never worked with them".

He also said that while additional assistance was reaching the Palestinian territory since the truce was implemented on October 10th, it was "inadequate to meet all the needs" of the over two million inhabitants.

Jermaine Oconnor
Jermaine Oconnor

Lena is a passionate writer and traveler who shares her adventures and life lessons through engaging blog posts.