A controversial U.S.-backed aid organization operating in Gaza has begun distributing food in the besieged region, while simultaneously condemning threats against its operations from Hamas. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) declared on Monday that it initiated its aid work by delivering large quantities of food to designated Safe Distribution Sites, with promises of increased assistance in the coming days. The foundation, based in Geneva since earlier this year, aims to distribute approximately 300 million meals within the first 90 days of its operations.
This development occurs amidst heightened scrutiny of Israel’s handling of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, following Hamas’s attacks on October 7, 2023, which precipitated a near-total blockade on the territory. As attempts to alleviate the blockade have only recently begun, international observers have raised alarms about a potential famine affecting the local population.
In contrast to GHF’s activities, the United Nations and other international aid agencies have expressed refusal to collaborate with the organization, citing concerns over its alleged ties to Israel and the absence of Palestinian participation in its initiatives. UN officials particularly worry that GHF’s operations may be manipulated to limit aid distribution based on political alignment.
In light of these tensions, GHF reported that Hamas has taken measures to obstruct its aid distribution efforts. The foundation condemned what it characterized as death threats from Hamas aimed at humanitarian organizations supporting GHF. It asserted that such actions highlight Hamas’s perceived threat from this new model of aid delivery and indicated that the group would stop at nothing to sabotage its success.
GHF reassured its commitment to the security of aid workers and civilians, emphasizing that threats would not hinder its mission. The organization affirmed its intent to work with reliable partners to ensure that aid is delivered with integrity.
However, GHF is also grappling with internal challenges. Jake Wood, who served as the foundation’s executive director for two months, announced his resignation, citing an inability to harmonize its operational plans with core humanitarian principles, including neutrality and independence. His departure underscores potential governance issues within GHF.
Following Wood’s resignation, GHF appointed John Acree as the interim executive director, praising his extensive experience in disaster response and civil-military coordination. The foundation is now tasked with navigating both external pressures and internal dynamics as it seeks to fulfill its ambitious aid goals in the region.
