Shutdown Demanded for Controversial Gaza Aid Foundation

A substantial coalition of charities has rallied for the immediate termination of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation amid claims of endangering lives and undermining humanitarian efforts in the region.

In a bold move, more than 130 NGOs, including globally recognized organizations such as Oxfam, Save the Children, and Amnesty International, are calling for the dissolution of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which has been operating under the backing of the Israeli and US governments. Since its initiation in late May, over 500 Palestinians have reportedly died while seeking aid, alongside nearly 4,000 others who have sustained injuries, according to available reports.

The charities assert that Israeli forces and armed factions consistently target individuals pursuing aid, highlighting a violation of humanitarian norms. While Israel refutes claims that its soldiers deliberately shoot at aid recipients, it defends the GHF, stating that it facilitates direct assistance to those in need and avoids possible interference from Hamas.

In a joint statement released Tuesday, the organizations lament the dire conditions faced by the two million residents of Gaza, forced into excessively crowded and militarized zones where daily gunfire poses a constant threat. The statement emphasizes that since the GHF has begun its operations, numerous civilian fatalities have been documented by medics, eyewitness accounts, and reports from the Hamas-run health ministry.

The GHF's distribution system has replaced 400 previously functioning aid points with only four military-controlled sites, confined to areas in southwestern and central Gaza. In their statement, the charities underscored the harrowing dilemma for Palestinians: "starve or risk being shot while trying desperately to secure food for their families." Tragically, reports indicate that orphaned children and caregivers have also fallen victim, with children impacted in over half of these civilian-targeted attacks.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has labeled the GHF's approach as "inherently unsafe," with UN agencies labeling the initiative as militarization of humanitarian relief. The UN had previously denounced the plan, expressing concerns that it would bypass established aid distribution networks, compelling residents to undertake perilous journeys for basic necessities.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have acknowledged ongoing examinations related to civilian harm but have vehemently denied intentionally targeting unarmed civilians. Reports from Israeli media allege that certain soldiers have claimed they were instructed to intimidate civilians near aid distribution sites. Nonetheless, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed these allegations as "malicious falsehoods."

In response to ongoing critiques, the IDF announced plans to improve access to aid sites, including increased fencing and clearer signage. However, the coalition of NGOs has criticized the GHF as failing to provide an appropriate humanitarian response, highlighting the grave conditions many families face, stating that several are now too frail to compete for essential food rations.

As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate with reports of chaos and violence becoming alarmingly routine, the international community watches closely, weighing the implications of these developments for humanitarian aid in conflict zones.