GAZA CITY, Gaza — The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation announced on Thursday that it is ceasing operations after its efforts to deliver millions of meals to the war-torn enclave. While the organization succeeded in providing critical aid, some Palestinians were killed while attempting to access the assistance. This development comes as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed the death of a humanitarian worker, further complicating the already dire situation for the civilian population.
The foundation’s statement, released late Wednesday, stated that all ongoing operations will be halted as of Friday. The decision follows months of intense conflict, which has severely strained the already fragile humanitarian infrastructure. According to the foundation, it has delivered over 12 million meals since the beginning of the crisis, reaching thousands of families in the central Gaza Strip. However, the organization emphasized that its ability to continue operations has been significantly hindered by ongoing hostilities, which have made it increasingly difficult to secure safe access for aid distribution.
Despite the risks, the foundation remains committed to supporting the civilian population. The organization’s chief executive, Ahmed Al-Masri, stated that the decision to close operations is not a reflection of the value of the work done, but rather a necessity due to the worsening security conditions. “We have done our best to provide aid under extremely difficult circumstances,” Al-Masri said. “However, the situation has reached a point where we cannot ensure the safety of our workers or the people receiving assistance.” The closure of the foundation marks a significant blow to the already limited humanitarian resources available in Gaza, potentially exacerbating the crisis for civilians caught in the conflict.
International humanitarian organizations have expressed concern over the foundation’s closure. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) issued a statement expressing its condolences to the victims and calling for an immediate pause in hostilities to allow for the safe delivery of aid. The ICRC has also warned that the ongoing violence is placing an immense burden on the civilian population, with many unable to access basic necessities such as food, water, and medical care. As the conflict continues, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with no immediate signs of an end to the crisis.