The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), supported by the U.S. and Israel to provide aid to Gaza outside of the UN system, has announced the closure of its operations. Following a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Gaza six weeks ago, GHF had already ceased distribution activities and has now confirmed a permanent shutdown, stating that it has achieved its objectives. GHF’s director, John Acree, expressed satisfaction with the foundation’s efforts, emphasizing a more effective approach to aid delivery for Gazans.
During its brief existence, GHF operated discreetly with undisclosed funding sources and limited information about the armed personnel at its distribution sites. The foundation aimed to ensure aid reached Gaza without interference from Hamas.
Reports from Palestinians, aid workers, and health officials highlighted the risks faced by individuals accessing GHF sites, as they navigated through Israeli checkpoints. Witness testimonies and social media videos suggested instances of Israeli forces using lethal force, with the military justifying actions as crowd control measures or self-defense.
GHF clarified that there were no violent incidents at its aid centers but acknowledged the potential dangers associated with reaching these locations on foot. However, accounts from contractors and video evidence indicated that American security guards employed by GHF resorted to live ammunition and stun grenades during food distributions, raising safety concerns for vulnerable Palestinians.
GHF announced plans to transition its responsibilities to the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC), overseen by the U.S. in Israel as part of the Gaza ceasefire efforts. Discussions have been ongoing with CMCC and international organizations to adopt and expand GHF’s operational model.
In a separate development, the armed wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group confirmed the discovery of a hostage’s body in an area controlled by the Israeli army in Gaza. The body is one of three hostages yet to be returned.
The truce between Hamas and Israel signed on October 9 marked a pause in the conflict following two years of intense hostilities. The agreement addressed immediate issues but left unresolved core disputes, requiring further negotiations for a lasting resolution.
As part of the ceasefire terms, Hamas released surviving hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Additionally, arrangements were made for the return of hostages’ remains and militants’ bodies, illustrating the complex dynamics of the conflict and the challenges in achieving lasting peace.
The conflict, which began with a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. The toll includes numerous fatalities and injuries among Palestinians, with a majority being women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry statistics, which are considered reliable by independent experts.
