Aerial attacks by Israel result in the fatalities of 14 Palestinians in Gaza, while another 10 die while seeking sustenance.
In the midst of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, the role of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in delivering food aid has been a subject of intense debate. The US-backed, privately run organisation, operating in Gaza since early 2024, has been coordinating closely with Israeli authorities to bypass political obstructions and deliver aid directly to civilians.
The foundation, which manages four centralised distribution bases in southern and central Gaza, aims to reach civilians facing famine conditions due to collapsed infrastructure and prolonged conflict. However, GHF has only managed to cover a small portion of Gaza's population, with around 462,000 meals distributed, enough to feed about 2% of Gaza's population for half a week as of July 2025.
Unfortunately, the GHF's operations have been marred by numerous deadly incidents around its aid distribution sites. Over 600 Palestinians have been killed near these sites, with around 70% of these fatalities occurring at or close to GHF distribution points. Thousands more have been injured while trying to access aid.
Reports accuse Hamas of killing eight of GHF’s aid workers and injuring 21, possibly taking some hostage. Additionally, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and American security contractors have used live ammunition and stun grenades against Palestinians at these sites, exacerbating the danger for aid-seekers.
The United Nations and over 170 NGOs, including Save the Children and Oxfam, have criticised GHF for allegedly militarising aid distribution and forcing two million Palestinians into overcrowded, militarised zones, thereby violating humanitarian norms and risking civilian lives. This militarised coordination with Israeli forces undermines the principles of neutrality and impartiality usually upheld in humanitarian aid, increasing the risks faced by civilians and aid workers alike.
Serious allegations against GHF range from complicity in war crimes to breaches of international humanitarian law due to how its aid operations are conducted and their consequences. The ongoing conflict and blockade have created a catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with millions lacking access to food, water, and medical care.
While GHF attempts to fill gaps left by restricted aid flows, its methods and coordination with military actors have brought more harm than relief in many instances. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) and other humanitarian groups continue to call for ceasefires and safe, neutral aid delivery pathways to protect both civilians and aid workers.
As the conflict continues, the safety of aid workers and civilians remains a pressing concern, and the GHF's role in the distribution of food aid remains a contentious issue.
- The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) is not only involved in politics of delivering food aid, but also enmeshed in the complexities of the health crisis, war-and-conflicts, and general news, given the deadly incidents and allegations surrounding its operations.
- Despite the GHF's efforts to provide food aid and alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, its alleged militarization of aid distribution and collaboration with military actors has raised concerns about the violation of humanitarian norms, endangering both civilians and aid workers.
