Gaza Humanitarian Foundation: A Controversial Support Amidst Violence

The head of Gaza Humanitarian Foundation claims attacked sites do not reflect operatives' safety protocols amid increasing Palestinian deaths.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), led by Johnnie Moore, remains staunch in its defense of ongoing aid operations in the Gaza Strip, despite facing intense scrutiny over significant casualties among civilians seeking assistance. In an interview with the BBC World Service's Newshour, Moore refuted accusations linking fatalities directly to GHF operations, stating that attributing deaths to the organization is "not true." Moore criticized the United Nations and other international organizations, suggesting they disseminate unchecked information.

The UN has decried the GHF method, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres labeling it "inherently unsafe," warning against placing desperate civilians in militarized zones. According to the Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza, over 500 Palestinians have perished and an additional 4,000 have been injured while attempting to collect aid since the GHF commenced distribution efforts in late May.

In the initial days of GHF's operations, multiple incidents resulted in the deaths of dozens of Palestinians, prompting widespread condemnation. Alarm has since grown among aid organizations and the UN given the frequent reports of casualties at GHF sites, predominantly located within Israeli military-controlled areas. Eyewitness accounts and health professionals have described instances of Israeli forces firing on unarmed individuals near aid distribution points.

In a recent article from Israeli outlet Haaretz, unnamed Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers alleged they were ordered to shoot at civilians near aid locations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vigorously rejected these claims as "malicious falsehoods." The IDF stated it has not directed soldiers to fire upon civilians approaching aid points but emphasized efforts to enhance "operational response" around these areas.

Moore, the GHF's head, countered assertions that their operations are to blame for the rising death toll, stating, "100% of the casualties are being attributed to the IDF - as best as we can tell that's also not true." The IDF has reported firing "warning shots" at “suspects” they deemed threats. Moore explained GHF conducts rigorous investigations into reported incidents, often finding no substantial evidence of wrongdoing on their part.

He accused previous UN operations of suffering from widespread hijacking of aid trucks, a claim the UN has denied as unfounded. When faced with counter-evidence, Moore suggested the UN lacked honesty regarding the situation. Despite some easing of an embargo, experts indicate that the aid entering the region remains insufficient, putting many Gazans at risk of famine. The GHF aims to provide 50 million meals, which equates to less than one meal per person daily since the effort’s inception.

While Moore acknowledged the operation's inefficiencies, he emphasized that the 50 million meals surpass what was available prior to GHF's intervention. He expressed a desire to expand their reach and collaborate with organizations such as the UN, maintaining, "The mission is clear. We just want to feed Gazans." Recently, the U.S. State Department announced a $30 million contribution to GHF, marking its first known support for the organization.