The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has emerged as a key player in aid distribution to Gaza. This change of heart follows the U.S. and Israeli governments’ slashing of that aid. GHF team members helping Palestinians collect food, water and medical supplies in Shajiya, Gaza. This decision comes as humanitarian conditions deteriorate at GHF facilities. The foundation operates dozens of schools and health clinics throughout the territory. Recent On-Demand reports show that they are meeting that supply using a new model that purposely circumvents the old guard humanitarian organizations such as the United Nations.
As has been reported recently, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic. GHF is on the ground now working to distribute these critical first aid supplies. They provide people with staple grocery items such as flour, sugar and canned goods to those with limited access. First, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokespeople stated their readiness to conduct humanitarian airdrops. For now, they’re planning to bring in seven pallets of essential supplies from GHF directly into Gaza. These approaches are focused squarely on the immediate, pressing needs of the community. In stark contrast, dystopian scenes play out at the gates of GHF facilities as angry queues of vultures impatiently wait.
New Distribution Model Supported by US and Israel
In recent years, the GHF has emerged as a critical first responder in times of crisis. Right now, they’re getting copious cover from This Is Us and the Israeli government. As you can imagine, this new and radical distribution model has fired up fears. Israel has whittled the role of the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations out of the process, ignoring their requests and cutting them out entirely. Rather, GHF is tasked with a far more important mission – delivering long overdue medical and emergency supplies to Gaza’s majority civilian population.
Last week, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) reported that 250 trucks crossed into Gaza, presumably loaded with supplies for GHF. This has been a significant change in the way humanitarian assistance is being structured and implemented in the region. The IDF has reportedly been adamant that only international aid organizations can distribute food. Yet, with GHF’s proactive engagement as an example, we see a different approach to addressing pressing humanitarian needs.
Scenes of Desperation at GHF Facilities
And as GHF has been able to operate without repercussions, accounts say conditions inside their facilities have only gotten more chaotic. We’ve all watched Palestinians scrambling for medical supplies, underscoring the urgency of their plight. The foundation’s facilities in Khan Younis and Rafah have become critical centers for emergency aid delivery and distribution. They are quickly overwhelmed by the sheer number of people clamoring for their help.
The IDF has addressed some concerns regarding the humanitarian situation, stating, “The IDF emphasizes that there is no starvation in the Gaza Strip. This is a false campaign promoted by Hamas.” This chilling claim shows how deep the mistruth runs between the military’s version of events and what’s actually happening to civilians in Gaza. That doesn’t make it any less heartbreaking to watch the chaos, confusion, and visible despair erupting at aid distribution points.
Disputed Figures and Ongoing Challenges
Despite GHF’s active involvement in delivering aid, there have been disputes regarding casualty figures related to operations at various sites. Neither GHF nor the IDF have provided definitive responses to competing claims, nor have they provided the full breakdown of data necessary to explain these numbers. Their opacity creates issues not just for accountability, but for the evolving humanitarian impacts of their operations.
As the situation continues to change, advocates such as Yair Horn have voiced their feelings on the continuing crisis. Horn remarked, “Half of me is still in Gaza. I returned as part of a partial deal that collapsed.” His sentiment speaks to the emotional burden that so many are feeling during this difficult time.
