A US-backed humanitarian foundation in Gaza has shut its operations, citing the staggering loss of life and desperation it faced while trying to deliver aid. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) had been criticized for its delivery model, which prioritized a small number of high-profile sites over the widespread delivery of food to those most in need.
Since Israel's government took control of GHF in May, nearly 3,000 Palestinians have died while trying to access aid. Many more have fallen victim to starvation and malnutrition due to the foundation's inability to deliver adequate supplies. In fact, a recent UN report declared a famine in Gaza City, resulting in at least 175 deaths.
Critics argue that GHF's approach is one of the worst examples of humanitarian aid ever attempted. The organization's reliance on private logistics and security firms has been likened to a "war by proxy," where aid workers are forced to navigate deadly queues and gunfire from Israeli forces.
"This model is an entity occupying negative space, and the negative space is the deadly siege that the government of Israel has imposed for most of this year," said Scott Paul, Oxfam America's director of peace and security. "GHF is a symptom, not the problem. The real issue here is the blockade and the lack of access to aid."
The Israeli government continues to restrict humanitarian aid, blocking over 100 requests from major NGOs, including Oxfam. Despite GHF's closure, aid groups remain concerned that its tactics could be replicated in other conflict zones around the world.
As Anastasia Moran, advocacy director at MedGlobal, warned: "My biggest fear is if anyone looks at GHF and thinks this is a model that should be tried elsewhere. It would be disastrous."
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza shows no signs of abating, with thousands more expected to die due to lack of access to aid. As the international community struggles to respond to this devastating situation, it's clear that the true failure lies not with the foundation itself, but with the policies and actions of those who claim to care for its people.
Since Israel's government took control of GHF in May, nearly 3,000 Palestinians have died while trying to access aid. Many more have fallen victim to starvation and malnutrition due to the foundation's inability to deliver adequate supplies. In fact, a recent UN report declared a famine in Gaza City, resulting in at least 175 deaths.
Critics argue that GHF's approach is one of the worst examples of humanitarian aid ever attempted. The organization's reliance on private logistics and security firms has been likened to a "war by proxy," where aid workers are forced to navigate deadly queues and gunfire from Israeli forces.
"This model is an entity occupying negative space, and the negative space is the deadly siege that the government of Israel has imposed for most of this year," said Scott Paul, Oxfam America's director of peace and security. "GHF is a symptom, not the problem. The real issue here is the blockade and the lack of access to aid."
The Israeli government continues to restrict humanitarian aid, blocking over 100 requests from major NGOs, including Oxfam. Despite GHF's closure, aid groups remain concerned that its tactics could be replicated in other conflict zones around the world.
As Anastasia Moran, advocacy director at MedGlobal, warned: "My biggest fear is if anyone looks at GHF and thinks this is a model that should be tried elsewhere. It would be disastrous."
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza shows no signs of abating, with thousands more expected to die due to lack of access to aid. As the international community struggles to respond to this devastating situation, it's clear that the true failure lies not with the foundation itself, but with the policies and actions of those who claim to care for its people.
Can't believe the US was backing this? It's like they're saying "we've got your back" but really they're just enabling Israel's siege. The fact that 3k Palestinians died trying to get aid is just horrific 
... what's the point of all these foundations if they can't even deliver supplies safely? And those numbers are crazy, a famine in Gaza City? It's like we're watching a real-life game of "survival of the fittest". 
... I mean, can't say I blame GHF for shutting down - they were literally putting their lives at risk trying to deliver aid in a super volatile situation. But at the same time, it's just so frustrating that the Israeli government is restricting aid even more now 
... like, what's the point of having a humanitarian foundation if you're just gonna block all the other NGOs from getting involved too? 
But on the other hand, can't we be like, "Hey, let's reform the whole aid system and make it more effective?" 
... but then again, maybe GHF's model was just a bad idea from the start... ugh, I don't know, my mind is all over the place! 
The way GHF prioritized high-profile sites over widespread food delivery is super concerning. I mean, can't you just imagine being in a situation where ppl are literally dyin' from starvation & you're too busy deliverin' aid to the "cool" spots? 
. I'm so sad for the people of Gaza, they deserve way better than this 
They should've been more transparent about their delivery model and prioritized getting aid to the most vulnerable people ASAP 
And now they're just shutting down? 
It's like they gave up without even trying to fix the problems they created 
The real issue here is the blockade and lack of access to aid, as Scott Paul said 
Israel's government needs to take responsibility for restricting aid and lifting the siege ASAP 
This is just heartbreaking, a 3,000+ death toll in Gaza is insane! The way GHF prioritized certain sites over others was so reckless and it's no wonder they got slammed by critics... I mean, starving people dying due to famine in Gaza City? That's a UN report for crying out loud 
It's no wonder Oxfam is saying this model is super flawed. The Israeli blockade is already crippling Gaza, but when NGOs are also getting blocked from sending aid? That's just cruel 
The international community needs to step up their game ASAP! 
the whole 'war by proxy' thing is wild - like, shouldn't we be helping ppl not getting hurt in the crossfire? 
I'm literally heartbroken reading about this 
.
. And honestly, it's kinda sad that it takes a humanitarian organization like GHF to fail before we wake up and do something about the real issues at hand 
like, what even is that logic? 
and now a UN report says its a full-blown famine in Gaza City... 175 deaths alone?! 
its not just about ghf or orgs like oxfam, its about the ppl & their lives mattering 
we need to do better, support NGOs like Oxfam that care about ppl over profits 
the fact that aid is being blocked & ppl r dying from lack of access 2 it is just devastating