US-Backed Aid Group Concludes Gaza Mission, Highlighting Success Amid Opposition

The U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has concluded its mission in the Gaza Strip, having delivered over 187 million free meals to Palestinians without Hamas interference. The group, which operated from May 26, reported success in its model of aid distribution, surpassing the effectiveness of traditional UN agencies, which have faced allegations of corruption and potential Hamas support. GHF’s Executive Director, John Acree, stated the organization is shifting to other aid organizations, claiming it has fulfilled its mission of proving a new approach could succeed.

Acree emphasized that the GHF’s primary goal was to meet an urgent need, demonstrate that a new approach could succeed where others had failed, and ultimately hand off that success to the broader international community. The GHF’s success is attributed to its collaboration with the U.S. military and private partners, enabling more efficient and secure aid delivery.

However, the GHF’s operations have not been without controversy. UN agencies and some NGOs have criticized the organization for its weaponization of aid and alleged support for Hamas. Accusations of attacks on aid distribution sites and the use of aid for military purposes have led to calls for the GHF’s shutdown. Additionally, a whistleblower claimed that the IDF was aiding the GHF, while U.N. agencies were obstructing aid distribution through inaction.

Despite these challenges, the GHF maintained that its operations were effective, with no reported incidents of aid theft. The group’s leaders remain open to reviving the mission if new humanitarian needs arise, underscoring the complexity of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.