Gaza aid group delivers 4.7 million meals amidst criticism

In late May 2025, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an Israeli-backed aid group, began operating in the Gaza Strip to distribute humanitarian aid. This initiative came in response to accusations that Hamas was misappropriating aid and profiting from its sale. However, GHF faced criticism from various humanitarian organizations and the United Nations for not implementing adequate screening processes for aid recipients, raising concerns that aid may not reach the intended beneficiaries effectively. Eyewitnesses reported that people were taking advantage of the situation, collecting aid boxes for resale instead of for genuine need. Despite claims from GHF of distributing nearly 4.7 million meals in just six days, reports indicated that the aid distribution was marred by security issues, with civilians being met with gunfire and chaos at distribution points. These crowded situations have fostered fears about the safety of those in need as well as the potential for aid diversion, as some individuals reportedly paid others to gather supplies for them. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, aggravated by conflict, further complicates the situation, as aid agencies call for larger, well-organized operations to prevent famine and ensure the assistance reaches those in need. Israeli officials announced their support for GHF, citing it as a method to securely deliver supplies while excluding Hamas from the distribution process. Conversely, traditional organizations like UNRWA refused to participate due to concerns about independence and the heightened risks for recipients. The establishment of the GHF was perceived as a replacement for organizations that have long served the Gazan population, raising questions about the efficacy of GHF's distribution model and whether it can genuinely address the critical needs of the people in Gaza without compromising international humanitarian principles. The situation remains fluid as GHF pledges to adjust its operations, continuously reassessing the circumstances on the ground. Civilian eyewitness accounts indicate that the situation is dire, with many people facing challenges in obtaining necessary supplies. Calls for a more significant and meaningful increase in humanitarian operations continue as other international organizations stress the need for direct access to families in Gaza to combat starvation. The long-standing humanitarian principles of impartiality and independence are being tested as GHF moves forward, with ongoing critiques from various entities regarding its approach. As the situation evolves, vigilance is required to ensure that aid distribution truly meets the urgent needs of vulnerable populations in Gaza.