US-Supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation Ceases Operations Amid Controversy

Tue Nov 25 2025 22:34:52 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has announced the winding down of its aid operations after intense criticism over its methods and safety issues that arose during its six-month initiative.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), backed by the US and Israel, has decided to conclude its operations in Gaza following severe criticism regarding its controversial aid distribution methods. After a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, the foundation had already halted its food distribution activities, facing opposition from both international organizations and local factions. The closure comes amidst allegations of substantial casualties linked to the GHF's sites, with calls for accountability regarding its role in the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.

The controversial, US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) says it is winding down its aid operations in the Palestinian territory, after almost six months.

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

The GHF aimed to bypass the UN as the main supplier of aid to Gaza's population. UN and other aid agencies refused to co-operate with its system, stating it was unethical and unsafe.

Hundreds of Palestinians were killed seeking food amid chaotic scenes near GHF's sites, mainly attributed to Israeli fire, according to the UN. Israel, however, claimed its troops fired warning shots.

The GHF stated on Monday that it was winding down operations due to the successful completion of its emergency mission, delivering a total of three million packages equating to over 187 million meals.

Jon Acree, the GHF's executive director, noted that the US-led Civil-Military Coordination Centre (CMCC) would be adopting and expanding the GHF's operational model.

Tommy Piggott, a spokesperson for the US State Department, praised the GHF's efforts, stating it played a pivotal role in facilitating a ceasefire by preventing Hamas from profiting from stolen aid.

In response, Hamas has criticized the GHF's closure, alleging it caused harm to Palestinians and called for accountability from international human rights organizations.

The GHF began operations in Gaza on May 26, during a time when aid and commercial deliveries were severely restricted, leading to a humanitarian crisis.

The GHF operated food distribution sites controlled by US contractors located within Israeli military zones, which the UN deemed a violation of humanitarian principles.

The UN's human rights office reported at least 859 Palestinians were killed near GHF sites from late May to July 31, predominantly by Israeli forces. In contrast, the GHF countered the UN's claims, suggesting misrepresented statistics.

The future of the GHF had grown uncertain following the ceasefire agreement as aid distribution would need to proceed unimpeded and without affiliations to either Hamas or Israel.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated the GHF's shutdown would have no impact on its operations, as the UN never collaborated with them. He emphasized that although more aid was reaching Gaza since the ceasefire, it remained insufficient to address the needs of the 2.1 million population.