What's happened
On November 24, 2025, the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) permanently ceased operations after delivering over 187 million meals during a six-month emergency mission in Gaza. Created to bypass UN aid amid an Israeli blockade, GHF faced criticism for deadly violence near its distribution sites. Its aid model will now be adopted by a US-led coordination center.
What's behind the headline?
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's Controversial Role
The GHF was created as a US-backed alternative to the UN's aid system in Gaza, aiming to prevent Hamas from diverting humanitarian supplies. However, its militarized distribution model, requiring Palestinians to travel to secured sites, led to deadly confrontations with Israeli forces, with hundreds killed near these locations. This approach starkly contrasted with the UN's model of bringing aid closer to affected communities.
Political and Humanitarian Implications
GHF's establishment reflected deep mistrust between Israel and Hamas, with Israel seeking tighter control over aid to Gaza. The foundation's operations became a proxy for broader geopolitical struggles, with accusations from Palestinians and aid groups that it exacerbated suffering and risked lives. Conversely, supporters argue GHF filled a critical gap during the blockade when UN operations were halted.
Transition and Future Outlook
With the October ceasefire and the resumption of UN-led aid, GHF's mission concluded. Its model is set to be adopted and expanded by the US-led Civil-Military Coordination Center, signaling a shift back to more coordinated international aid efforts. However, challenges remain, including ongoing restrictions on aid, accusations of obstruction by Israel, and the dire humanitarian conditions worsened by winter rains and infrastructure destruction.
Broader Impact
The story highlights the complexities of delivering humanitarian aid in conflict zones where political agendas and security concerns intertwine. The GHF episode underscores the risks of militarizing aid distribution and the importance of balancing security with accessibility to protect vulnerable populations. The coming months will test whether the new coordination mechanisms can improve aid delivery without repeating past mistakes.
What the papers say
The Independent's Christopher McKeon reports on the GHF's closure, highlighting the foundation's claim of success in delivering 187 million meals but also noting the deadly violence near its sites and the secrecy surrounding its operations. McKeon quotes GHF director John Acree stating the model will be adopted by the US-led Civil-Military Coordination Center.
The New York Times' Ephrat Livni provides a nuanced view, acknowledging GHF's mission to feed civilians but contrasting it with criticism from Palestinians and aid workers who condemned the foundation's militarized approach and questioned its effectiveness.
Al Jazeera's coverage emphasizes the controversy, citing UN experts who called for GHF's dismantling due to exploitation of aid for military agendas and the high death toll near distribution sites. The outlet also notes the partial resumption of UN aid following the ceasefire.
The Times of Israel reveals the close ties between GHF and Israeli officials, explaining the foundation's goal to exclude Hamas from aid distribution. It details the deadly clashes at GHF sites and the eventual scaling down of operations as UN aid resumed.
US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott praised GHF's role in preventing Hamas from looting aid and contributing to the ceasefire, while Hamas condemned the foundation, calling for accountability for alleged crimes against Palestinians.
Together, these sources illustrate a deeply contested humanitarian effort shaped by political conflict, with contrasting perspectives on GHF's legacy and the future of aid in Gaza.
How we got here
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation was established in May 2025 with US and Israeli backing to replace UN aid distribution amid an Israeli blockade accusing Hamas of diverting supplies. The foundation operated militarized aid sites in Gaza, which led to deadly clashes with Palestinians. A US-brokered ceasefire in October 2025 allowed UN aid to resume, reducing GHF's role and prompting its closure.
Go deeper
- What led to the creation of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation?
- Why was the GHF criticized by Palestinians and aid organizations?
- How will aid distribution in Gaza change after GHF's closure?
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More on these topics
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.