The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.- and Israel-backed organization, is challenging United Nations (UN) claims about restrictions on aid distribution in Gaza, asserting that over 85 million meals have been delivered in under two months. The organization has been in the spotlight for its efforts to provide aid to Gazan civilians amid escalating violence. Executive chairman Rev. Johnnie Moore, in a letter to Tom Fletcher, the UN’s under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, is seeking collaboration to address stalled aid and improve the situation. Moore emphasized that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with most aid remaining undelivered or looted, leaving millions of civilians without consistent access to food. Despite the UN’s assertions that the issue stems from ‘lack of permissions’ and security concerns, Moore argued that the real problem lies in operational and capacity failures within the system. This stance comes as the GHF faces criticism from UN officials and activists who accuse it of undermining the existing humanitarian framework.
Chapin Fay, GHF’s spokesperson, stated that the organization was created to correct long-standing issues within the UN’s aid distribution system, which has been plagued by corruption and diversion of aid to Hamas-affiliated groups. According to Fay, GHF’s operations have been free from such issues, with zero aid diverted and no incidents of trucks being tampered with. However, the organization has faced accusations from UN officials like Fletcher, who initially criticized it as a ‘fig leaf for further violence and displacement’ and a ‘cynical sideshow.’ After the GHF began its operations, Fletcher and U.N. Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese have raised concerns about violence at GHF sites, with Albanese labeling them ‘death traps.’ In response, Fay dismissed these claims, asserting that there have only been two incidents: a deadly trampling allegedly fomented by Hamas and a terror attack involving Hamas-style grenades that injured two American workers.
The IDF’s role in ensuring the security of GHF operations has also been a point of contention. Fay stated that the IDF is responsible for security outside the distribution sites, and any incidents involving civilian harm would be the responsibility of the Israeli military. The IDF, when asked for comment, stated that instructions were issued to its forces following lessons learned from situations where civilians were harmed at distribution facilities. This situation highlights the complexities of humanitarian aid delivery in Gaza, where multiple stakeholders are involved, and trust is a scarce commodity. As the conflict continues, the GHF’s efforts may serve as a critical lifeline for civilians, but their approach remains controversial within the international community. The ongoing debate over aid distribution underscores the challenges of providing effective humanitarian assistance in the midst of a protracted conflict, with political and operational complexities complicating efforts to reach those in need.