In brief
A coalition of prominent NGOs has raised alarm over the GHF's operations, alleging it leads to increased violence against Palestinians seeking aid and violates humanitarian norms.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening as over 130 charities, including major organisations like Oxfam and Save the Children, are demanding the shutdown of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) established with US-Israeli backing. The group asserts that since the GHF began its operations in late May, more than 500 Palestinians have lost their lives while trying to access essential aid, with nearly 4,000 others sustaining injuries.The organisations have accused Israeli forces and militant groups of routinely firing upon vulnerable Palestinians at aid distribution sites, a claim denied by Israel. They defend the GHF, stating it effectively provides aid to people in need while avoiding potential interference from Hamas.In a joint statement, these charities condemned GHF's operations, describing them as a violation of humanitarian standards. With the GHF replacing nearly 400 prior aid distribution points with just four military-controlled sites, they argue that millions are being forced into overcrowded and militarized areas fraught with gunfire. "Today, Palestinians in Gaza face an impossible choice: starve or risk being shot," the statement read. Among the victims are orphaned children and caregivers—many children are reportedly injured in more than half of the attacks at these sites.The implementation of GHF's aid distribution model has faced severe criticism from UN agencies. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has deemed it "inherently unsafe", aligning with earlier UN concerns that indicated it would lead to militarization of aid and endanger lives.Following multiple reports of civilian casualties around GHF centres, the Israeli military has begun reviewing the situation. However, reports from Israeli soldiers have emerged, hinting at orders to drive away unarmed civilians near aid sites—a claim which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed as "malicious falsehoods".Despite the Israeli military promising improved access with directives for safety, the coalition of NGOs fears that GHF's initiatives do not align with humanitarian response protocols. "Amidst severe hunger, many families are now too weak to even compete for food rations," the groups lamented, citing a desperate and deteriorating humanitarian situation a month into Gaza's new aid system.
