Efforts by the GHF (Gaza Humanitarian Foundation) to provide food to the starving population of Gaza have been marred by chaos and criticism. The foundation, which has opened two militarized distribution centers in southern Gaza, has faced overwhelming crowds and security concerns.

On Tuesday, hundreds of people reportedly breached fences at the Tel al-sult distribution center, resulting in the death of an 18-year-old due to gunfire from the Israeli army, according to the EFE agency.

The GHF stated that its team had to withdraw from the distribution point due to the overwhelming number of people. Security personnel from Safe Research Solutions (SRS) also left the area, allowing people to take the boxes.

The israeli army acknowledged firing warning shots in the area to disperse the crowds.

Despite the challenges, the GHF reported distributing 14,550 boxes of food on Wednesday, enough to feed approximately 80,000 people for three and a half days.

Gaza, with a population of 2.1 million, has been under a blockade by Israel, restricting access to essential aid, including food, medicine, and fuel.

According to a UN-backed report, about half a million Gazans are already suffering from famine.

Jonathan Whittall, the Chief for Palestine of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), criticized the new aid distribution system as a “Ration Plan” that fails to meet the needs of the hungry population. He stated that it “is a rationing based on surveillance that legitimizes a deliberate deprivation policy” at a time when Gazans,half of whom are children,face a survival crisis. “The new distribution model cannot meet Gaza’s needs,” Whittall added.

Rafah,in the south of the Gaza Strip,on may 27,2025. (AFP photo).” decoding=”async” class=”lazy story-contents__image w-full o-cover” style=”–aspect-ratio:6000/4000″ width=”6000″ height=”4000″/>

Amjad al-Shawa, director of the Network of Non-Governmental Palestinian Organizations, criticized the situation, stating that if Israel believes this distribution method will work through a blockade and promoting hunger, it is mistaken.

Francisco Belaunde Matossian, an international analyst, believes the GHF lacks the capacity and experience of the UN and other organizations to meet the objective of feeding the entire population of Gaza.

The government of Benjamin netanyahu promoted this new aid distribution system to prevent Hamás from appropriating food for political gain or selling it on the black market.

Belaunde suggests that the strategy aims more to “save appearances” than to solve the underlying problems.

Understanding the Gaza Humanitarian Crisis

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is a multifaceted issue rooted in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The blockade imposed by Israel has severely restricted the movement of people and goods, leading to shortages of essential supplies and a decline in living conditions. The destruction of infrastructure during military operations has further exacerbated the situation, leaving many Gazans without access to basic services such as water, electricity, and healthcare. International organizations have repeatedly called for an end to the blockade and for increased humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation: A Closer Look

Prior to March 18,UN agencies and other organizations were responsible for distributing food aid in gaza. Though,after Israel broke the truce with Hamás and blocked aid entry,the responsibility was transferred to private organizations,including the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, registered in Geneva (Switzerland) and Delaware (USA) in February, comprises American ex-military personnel, private security companies, and humanitarian operators. The foundation maintains a low profile, lacking public presence or official channels for verifiable facts.

The GHF plans to establish four distribution centers in Gaza to deliver food, water, and hygiene kits to 1.2 million people.

However, concerns about its neutrality have arisen. Jake Wood, the director of the association, resigned, stating that the group cannot adhere to humanitarian principles. He was replaced by John Acree, formerly of USAID.

The New York Times reported that the GHF was an Israeli initiative proposed by government officials.

Mike Huckabee, the United States ambassador to Israel, downplayed concerns about the GHF’s funding, stating that many donors wish to help anonymously.

The GHF has assured that it will not share personal information of Palestinian beneficiaries with Israeli authorities.

Hamas has warned Palestinians to avoid GHF distribution centers due to concerns about facial recognition technology and data collection by Israel.

however, Francisco Belaunde believes that the desperation of the Palestinians will outweigh these concerns.

Belaunde argues that while Israel is committing war crimes, the logical course for Hamás would be to accept leaving and delivering their weapons. He criticizes Hamas for not prioritizing the well-being of the Gazan population.