More than 130 aid organizations are calling for the shutdown of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S. and Israeli-backed initiative that has sparked international outrage. According to the groups, over 500 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 4,000 injured while attempting to access aid since the GHF began operating in late May.
The charities say that Israeli forces and armed groups have repeatedly opened fire on civilians trying to reach food and supplies. They argue that the GHF system has replaced hundreds of local aid distribution points with just four heavily militarized sites, pushing desperate families into dangerous zones where violence is common.
One statement described the current conditions as a horrific choice for Gaza’s residents: “Today, Palestinians face an impossible decision—starve, or risk being shot while trying to feed their families.” It added that orphaned children and caregivers are among those killed, and that children have been harmed in more than half of the reported attacks at distribution sites.
UN agencies have also raised concerns about the aid program, describing it as unsafe and deeply flawed. Critics say the system forces people to make long, perilous journeys through conflict zones, only to encounter gunfire when they arrive.
While the Israeli military denies intentionally targeting aid seekers, it has acknowledged reviewing reports of civilian harm and announced plans to restructure the distribution process, including installing fences and signs to guide people more safely. Meanwhile, reports have emerged alleging that soldiers were instructed to fire at civilians near aid sites to disperse crowds—a claim strongly rejected by Israeli officials.
Despite these denials, humanitarian groups remain united in their condemnation of the GHF, saying it is not a true humanitarian solution. They warn that many families are now too weak from hunger to compete for food, with conditions worsening as each day passes.