The US and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has halted its aid operations in Gaza following the recent ceasefire, citing operational challenges and safety concerns, despite ongoing funding.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a controversial aid group supported by the US and Israel, confirmed it suspended all operations in Gaza after the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect on October 10. The organization, which had been funded until November, conducted its final delivery on Friday, marking a significant shift in humanitarian efforts in the region. This move comes amid heightened tensions and a fragile truce that aims to stabilize the area after months of conflict.
The GHF has faced severe criticism following incidents where hundreds of Palestinians were killed while attempting to collect food near its distribution sites. Witnesses and reports indicate that many of these deaths were caused by Israeli forces, although Israel has consistently denied firing on civilians at these locations. The GHF itself has maintained that its aid distributions were carried out “without incident,” creating a contentious backdrop to its operations.
One of the key sites affected is the northernmost distribution point, known as SDS4, which was shut down because it fell outside Israeli Defense Forces-controlled territory after the ceasefire. Satellite imagery confirmed that the site was dismantled shortly after October 10, with visible signs of disruption including tyre tracks and debris. This closure highlights the logistical and security complexities involved in aid delivery in post-conflict zones.
In response to the suspension, a GHF spokesman stated, “Right now we’re paused,” emphasizing that there is still a critical need for aid in Gaza. He expressed the group’s goal to resume distribution once conditions allow, reflecting a desire to continue humanitarian work despite the challenges. However, speculation persists that the final terms of the ceasefire might exclude the GHF from future operations, adding uncertainty to its role.
Analysis of United Nations data reveals that the ceasefire has not yet led to a significant improvement in aid flow. The average amount of aid collected from crossings has increased only slightly compared to the previous week, remaining consistent with September figures. Since May 19, approximately 20% of aid leaving Israeli-controlled crossings has reached its intended destinations, with over 7,000 trucks intercepted by either desperate civilians or armed groups.
Aid sources hope that looting will decrease in the coming weeks as law and order are re-established and the population gains confidence in the ceasefire’s durability. A spokesperson from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stressed the importance of reaching vulnerable Gazans, including those in newly accessible areas. OCHA, which operates hundreds of service points, has lost access to many due to conflict or Israeli restrictions.
The OCHA spokesperson outlined several prerequisites for effective aid delivery: re-establishing service points, reducing looting, clearing roads of unexploded ordnance, and obtaining safety assurances. These steps are crucial for rebuilding the humanitarian infrastructure in Gaza, which has been severely damaged by the war. The situation underscores the immense task ahead in ensuring that aid reaches those in need amidst the ruins.
The suspension of GHF operations raises concerns about the overall humanitarian response in Gaza, where millions rely on external assistance. As the ceasefire holds, the focus shifts to how aid groups can adapt to the new realities and collaborate to prevent further suffering. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the truce can facilitate a sustainable increase in aid and pave the way for recovery.