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U.S.-Backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation Ends Operations After Delivering 187 Million Meals
The U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) announced Monday it will cease operations after successfully delivering more than 187 million meals to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip over the past four and a half months without interference from Hamas.
The organization, which began its humanitarian mission on May 26, is handing over its operation model to other international aid organizations. During its tenure, GHF also provided over 1.1 million packs of ready-to-use supplementary food for malnourished children in the war-torn territory.
“From the outset, GHF’s goal was to meet an urgent need, prove that a new approach could succeed where others had failed, and ultimately hand off that success to the broader international community,” said GHF Executive Director John Acree in a statement to Fox News Digital. “With the creation of the Civil-Military Coordination Center and a rejuvenated engagement of the international humanitarian community, GHF believes that moment has now arrived.”
The foundation has been in discussions with international organizations for weeks about transitioning its operations, with Acree noting these groups will be “adopting and expanding the model GHF piloted.” The organization will remain registered as an NGO and is prepared to resume operations if new humanitarian needs emerge.
GHF’s approach to aid distribution in Gaza marked a significant departure from traditional methods employed by UN agencies and other NGOs operating in the region. The foundation claims that throughout its entire operational period, not a single aid truck was looted—a stark contrast to the frequent theft of aid reported by other humanitarian organizations.
“We built a new model that worked, saved lives and restored dignity to civilians in Gaza,” said Acree. “Our dedicated and compassionate team, including former U.S. service members, humanitarians, local Gazan workers and other partners like Samaritan’s Purse, risked their lives to feed the people in Gaza amidst an active war conflict.”
Despite its success, GHF faced considerable criticism from United Nations agencies and other humanitarian organizations. The foundation was accused of “weaponizing aid” and faced allegations that hundreds of Gazans were killed or injured at its distribution sites. In July, the commissioner-general of UNRWA publicly called for an end to GHF, claiming it “provides nothing but starvation and gunfire to the people of Gaza.”
These tensions highlighted deeper conflicts between different approaches to humanitarian aid in conflict zones. In August, a whistleblower told Fox News Digital that “the IDF is actively helping the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation get food into the hands of civilians while U.N. agencies, including WFP and OCHA, through their unwillingness to coordinate with the IDF, are inhibiting the distribution of such aid.” Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary General, dismissed this claim as “delusional.”
GHF maintains that it repeatedly offered to help UN agencies secure and distribute aid while preventing looting and diversion, but these offers apparently went unheeded. The foundation attributes its success to “the Trump administration’s call for innovation and early confidence in our mission,” adding that “American leadership, clarity of purpose and accountability to results are still the international gold standard.”
Acree expressed that his team would most miss “the friendships and camaraderie developed with thousands of Gazans, especially the women and children we served.” He noted that by early July, as food security improved, “our aid sites became local hangout spots for women and children interacting with our team on a daily basis. We will miss them dearly.”
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza followed Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, including more than 40 Americans, and the kidnapping of 251 people. According to Israel, Hamas still holds three dead hostages.
The Trump administration’s peace plan for Gaza stipulates no role for Hamas in post-war governance and demands complete disarmament of the Iran-backed organization, which is designated as a terrorist group by the United States and numerous other countries.
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12 Comments
Threats from Hamas and UN criticism must have made the GHF’s job incredibly challenging. I hope the transition to other organizations can maintain the momentum in supporting Palestinians in Gaza.
Navigating the political dynamics in the region is no easy feat. Kudos to the GHF for their tenacity and commitment to helping those in need.
It’s unfortunate that the GHF faced such challenges in Gaza, but I’m glad they were able to deliver so many meals and resources before ending their mission. Transitioning to other organizations is the right move.
Providing over 1.1 million packs of supplementary food for malnourished children is a major achievement. I’m glad the GHF is handing off their successful model to continue this critical aid work.
Kudos to the GHF for their successful humanitarian work in Gaza. Overcoming threats and criticism to deliver over 187 million meals is an impressive accomplishment. I hope the new partners can build on this progress.
Navigating the complexities of aid delivery in Gaza is no easy feat. The GHF’s efforts demonstrate the importance of sustaining these critical programs for vulnerable populations.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has done impressive work in delivering over 187 million meals during their mission. I’m glad they’re handing off the operation to other groups to sustain these critical aid efforts.
While the threats and criticism are concerning, I’m encouraged that the GHF was able to accomplish so much in their mission. Hopefully the transition to other groups can build on this progress.
Maintaining aid delivery in complex political environments is no easy task. The GHF deserves credit for their efforts and I hope the handoff goes smoothly.
While it’s disappointing to see the GHF’s mission end, I’m glad they were able to accomplish so much in their time there. Handing off the operation to other groups is a sensible move to ensure the aid continues.
Concerning to see the challenges humanitarian groups face in delivering aid to Gaza. Hopefully the transition to other organizations can continue the vital work of providing food and resources to those in need.
It’s a complex situation, but getting aid to vulnerable populations should be the top priority. Kudos to the GHF for their efforts and I hope the handoff goes smoothly.