Ask Onix
US-Israel-Backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation Halts Aid Operations
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a contentious US- and Israel-supported aid organization, announced on Monday it is shutting down its operations in Gaza after nearly six months, citing the "successful completion of its emergency mission."
The group had already suspended its three food distribution sites following a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel six weeks prior. The GHF, which sought to bypass the UN as Gaza's primary aid provider, faced widespread criticism from humanitarian agencies that deemed its model unethical and unsafe.
Ceasefire and Operational Shift
The GHF's departure comes as the US-led Civil-Military Coordination Centre (CMCC), established to implement President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan, prepares to "adopt and expand the model GHF piloted," according to executive director Jon Acree.
US State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott praised the GHF's approach on X, claiming it "played a huge role in getting Hamas to the table and achieving a ceasefire" by preventing the group from "looting and profiting from stolen aid." Hamas, which denies allegations of aid theft, welcomed the GHF's closure while demanding accountability for civilian harm.
"We call upon all international human rights organisations to ensure that [GHF] does not escape accountability after causing the death and injury of thousands of Gazans and covering up the starvation policy practised by the [Israeli] government."
Hazem Qassem, Hamas spokesman, via Telegram
Controversial Operations and Fatalities
The GHF launched operations on 26 May, a week after Israel partially eased an 11-week blockade that had triggered severe shortages. Its food distribution sites in southern and central Gaza, managed by US private security contractors and located within Israeli military zones, drew sharp condemnation from the UN and partners.
Critics argued the system violated humanitarian principles of neutrality and impartiality, while forcing desperate civilians into militarized areas. The UN's human rights office reported at least 859 Palestinians killed near GHF sites between 26 May and 31 July, with another 514 fatalities near UN and other aid convoys-most attributed to Israeli forces.
The Israeli military maintained its troops fired "warning shots" at individuals approaching in a "threatening" manner. The GHF denied shootings occurred at its sites, accusing the UN of relying on "false and misleading" data from Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry.
Post-Ceasefire Aid Dynamics
The GHF's future had been uncertain since the 10 October ceasefire, which outlined aid distribution through the UN, Red Crescent, and other neutral bodies. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated the GHF's shutdown would have "no impact" on its operations, as the UN "never worked with them."
While aid flows have improved since the ceasefire, Dujarric emphasized they remain "not enough to meet all the needs" of Gaza's 2.1 million residents. The GHF reported distributing over 187 million meals across three million packages during its mission.
Key Figures
- 859+ Palestinians killed near GHF sites (UN data, May-July 2025)
- 187M+ meals distributed by GHF in six months
- 11-week Israeli blockade preceded GHF's launch
