Controversial US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation ends aid operations

November 25, 2025

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a controversial organization backed by the US and Israel, has announced it is shutting down its aid operations in Gaza after nearly six months of activity. The GHF had attempted to establish an alternative aid distribution system that bypassed UN agencies, operating food sites within Israeli military zones using private security contractors, but UN and humanitarian organizations refused to cooperate, citing safety concerns and violations of humanitarian principles. According to UN human rights officials, at least 859 Palestinians were killed near GHF distribution sites between May and July, mostly by Israeli forces, though the GHF disputes these figures and Israel claims troops only fired warning shots.

Who is affected

Palestinians in Gaza (2.1 million population), particularly the 859+ killed near GHF sites and 514+ killed near UN convoy routes
UN agencies and humanitarian partners who refused to work with GHF
Hamas (welcomed the closure and called for accountability)
Gaza Humanitarian Foundation staff and contractors
Israeli military forces operating near the distribution sites
US Civil-Military Coordination Centre (CMCC) inheriting the GHF model

What action is being taken

The GHF is winding down its operations in Gaza
The US-led Civil-Military Coordination Centre is adopting and expanding the GHF model
More aid is getting into Gaza since the ceasefire took effect
UN agencies continue their own aid operations (separate from GHF)

Why it matters

This matters because it represents a significant shift in how humanitarian aid is delivered in conflict zones, with the GHF attempting to bypass established UN-led systems in favor of a militarized approach. The high death toll associated with the GHF's operations—at least 859 Palestinians killed near its sites—raises serious questions about the safety and ethics of delivering aid within military zones. The US plan to expand this controversial model through the CMCC, despite widespread criticism from humanitarian organizations and documented casualties, could set a troubling precedent for future aid operations that prioritize political objectives over fundamental humanitarian principles of neutrality and civilian safety.

What's next

The US-led Civil-Military Coordination Centre (CMCC) will be adopting and expanding the model that GHF piloted. Aid distribution under the ceasefire agreement will take place through the United Nations, its agencies, the Red Crescent, and other international institutions not associated with Hamas or Israel.

Read full article from source: BBC