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A new aid distribution group backed by the US and Israel, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), has commenced operations in Gaza, delivering truckloads of food to its Secure Distribution Sites. According to the GHF, distribution to the Gazan people has begun, with more trucks scheduled to arrive, increasing the flow of aid daily.
The GHF’s mechanism involves security-screened Palestinians collecting boxes containing food and basic hygiene items for their families from distribution sites mainly in southern Gaza. These sites will be secured by American contractors, with Israeli troops patrolling the perimeters. The group aims to feed a million Palestinians by the end of the week.
However, the UN and many aid groups have refused to cooperate with GHF’s plans, citing concerns that they contradict humanitarian principles and appear to “weaponise aid”. Jan Egeland, secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, criticized the GHF, saying it is “militarised, privatised, politicised” and “not in conformity with neutrality”. He suggested reverting to the previous system that worked.
GHF’s interim executive director, John Acree, a former senior manager at USAID, defended the group’s approach. Acree’s appointment follows the resignation of Jake Wood, who stepped down citing concerns that the group’s aid distribution system couldn’t fulfill the principles of “humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence”.
The GHF’s efforts come amid an ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with warnings of famine and significant shortages of basic foods. Israel has allowed at least 665 lorry loads of humanitarian aid into Gaza since May 19, but the head of the UN’s World Food Programme warned that this is only a “drop in the bucket” of what’s needed. Half a million people face starvation in the coming months, according to the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).
The US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aims to complement the United Nations’ efforts in Gaza, rather than replacing them. According to Oren Levi, the GHF plans to deliver 300 million meals over a 90-day period, with four distribution centers set to open in Gaza, three in the south and one in the central region, and plans to expand into northern Gaza by next month.
The GHF’s structure is designed to restore logistical access and control, allowing aid groups to operate without fear of assistance being stolen. The foundation will rely on private security firms to transport supplies from border crossings to Gaza. Humanitarian organizations will use the GHF’s delivery systems to distribute aid, offering a framework for cooperation.
Key Details of the GHF’s Plan:
- Distribution Centers: Four centers will be set up, with three in southern Gaza and one in the central region.
- Expansion: Plans to expand into northern Gaza by next month.
- Meal Delivery: 300 million meals to be delivered over 90 days.
- Security: Private security firms will transport supplies from border crossings to Gaza.