Debated American-supported GHF Aid Organization Concludes Relief Activities

Aid operations in the Palestinian territory
The foundation previously paused its relief locations in Gaza after the halt in hostilities came into force last month

The disputed, US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) says it is concluding its relief activities in the affected area, following nearly half a year.

The organisation had already suspended its three food distribution sites in Gaza after the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel was implemented six weeks ago.

The GHF aimed to avoid UN systems as the main supplier of relief to Palestinian residents.

UN and other aid agencies refused to co-operate with its methodology, stating it was unethical and unsafe.

Hundreds of Palestinians were lost their lives while seeking food amid chaotic scenes near GHF's sites, mainly through Israeli military action, as reported by United Nations.

Israel said its forces fired warning shots.

Mission Completion

The organization declared on Monday that it was concluding activities now because of the "effective conclusion of its crisis response", with a cumulative three million shipments containing the corresponding to over 187 million food portions delivered to Palestinians.

The foundation's chief officer, the executive director, further mentioned the American-directed Civil-Military Coordination Center - which has been created to help execute the United States' Palestinian peace proposal - would be "implementing and enlarging the approach the organization demonstrated".

"GHF's model, in which Hamas could no longer loot and profit from stealing aid, played a huge role in getting Hamas to the table and achieving a ceasefire."

Feedback and Statements

Hamas - which denies stealing aid - approved the termination of the aid organization, as indicated by media.

A representative of stated the organization should be subject to scrutiny for the negative impact it created to Palestinians.

"We request all global human rights groups to ensure that it does not escape accountability after leading to casualties and wounds of thousands of Gazans and obscuring the food deprivation strategy implemented by the Israeli government."

Organization Timeline

The GHF began operations in Gaza on late May, a seven days following Israeli authorities had somewhat relaxed a comprehensive closure on relief and commercial goods to Gaza that continued for 77 days and resulted in critical deficits of necessary provisions.

Three months later, a famine was declared in Gaza City.

The organization's sustenance provision locations in various parts of the Palestinian territory were operated by US private security contractors and situated within regions under Israeli military authority.

Aid Organization Objections

The UN and its partners claimed the approach violated the core assistance standards of non-partisanship, even-handedness and self-determination, and that channelling desperate people into militarised zones was inherently unsafe.

The UN's human rights office stated it documented the deaths of a minimum of 859 residents trying to acquire sustenance in the proximity to foundation locations between 26 May and 31 July.

A further 514 persons were killed near the routes of UN and other aid convoys, it added.

The greater part of these people were fatally wounded by the Israel's armed forces, based on the agency's reports.

Contrasting Reports

Israel's armed services stated its soldiers had discharged cautionary rounds at people who approached them in a "threatening" fashion.

The foundation stated there were no firearm incidents at the relief locations and claimed the international organization of using "false and misleading" figures from the Gazan medical department controlled by militant factions.

Ongoing Situation

The organization's continuation had been uncertain since militant groups and the Israeli government approved a truce agreement to implement the initial stage of the United States' reconciliation proposal.

It said aid distribution would take place "free from intervention from the both sides through the United Nations and its agencies, and the humanitarian medical organization, in combination with other global organizations not linked whatsoever" with Palestinian factions and Israeli authorities.

UN spokesperson the international body's communicator said on Monday that the GHF's shutdown would have "no influence" on its work "because we never worked with them".

He also said that while increased relief was entering the region since the ceasefire took effect on 10 October, it was "insufficient to satisfy all requirements" of the 2.1 million population.

Lisa Hill
Lisa Hill

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