Controversy Surrounds Closure of US-Backed Gaza Aid Group

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's Short-Lived Experiment

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a US- and Israel-backed aid organization, has announced its permanent closure in Gaza, citing the completion of its emergency mission. The organization's four food distribution sites became flashpoints for deadly violence between May and October, resulting in the deaths of over 1,000 Palestinians seeking aid.

The GHF was launched in response to the severe food shortage in Gaza, which was exacerbated by Israel's blockade on all supplies imposed in March. However, the organization's opaque nature and lack of collaboration with international aid organizations, including the United Nations, raised concerns about its effectiveness and accountability.

Criticism and Controversy

The GHF faced criticism from Palestinian officials, aid workers, and human rights groups, who accused the organization of endangering civilians and prioritizing Israeli interests over humanitarian needs. The Israeli military's response to the crowds seeking aid, which included firing live ammunition and stun grenades, was also widely condemned.

The GHF's closure comes amid shifting strategies led by the US-led Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) in Israel, which will reportedly adopt and expand the GHF's model. The CMCC's role in overseeing aid delivery in Gaza has raised concerns about the continued prioritization of Israeli interests over humanitarian needs.

Key Facts About the GHF's Operations

• 187 million meals delivered to Gazans since May
• Four food distribution sites in southern and central Gaza
• Over 1,000 Palestinians killed or injured seeking aid from GHF sites
• $ tens of millions in funding from the Trump administration

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What's Next for Gaza's Humanitarian Crisis?

The GHF's closure raises questions about the future of humanitarian aid in Gaza and the role of international organizations in addressing the crisis. The United Nations and other aid groups must be allowed to take the lead in distributing aid, without interference from governments or private interests.

For more information on the Gaza humanitarian crisis, visit the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and Human Rights Watch.

Call to Action: Demand accountability and transparency in humanitarian aid distribution in Gaza. Contact your representatives and urge them to support UN-led efforts to address the crisis.

Image Credit: theguardian.com