The US and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has received a significant boost in support after meeting with senior international aid officials, sparking controversy over its militarized food distribution model. The meeting, organized by the US Ambassador to the UN, took place under the Chatham House Rule, meaning participants could not be quoted publicly.
The GHF model has been widely condemned for violating humanitarian principles and leading to Israeli killings of Palestinians at distribution sites. Human rights organizations have labeled these killings as war crimes. Despite this, officials are considering collaboration with the GHF, citing a desire to ease desperation among Gaza’s population.
At the meeting, participants acknowledged concerns over the GHF model but agreed that humanitarian need on the ground outweighed criticism. They discussed potential ways to work together, including rapidly increasing aid in Gaza. However, no clear plan was reached, and participants agreed to lower public rhetoric regarding the foundation’s operations.
Leading humanitarian figures have previously distanced themselves from GHF due to its toxic operations. The UN relief chief described it as a “cynical sideshow” that undermines efforts to prevent violence and displacement. Other officials, including Joyce Msuya, co-signed a read-out of the meeting, which was met with criticism from aid agencies.
The GHF has become Israel’s preferred aid delivery mechanism in Gaza, bypassing the established UN-led system. The foundation operates four distribution sites, staffed by armed contractors and monitored by Israeli forces. Critics argue that this model funnels people through caged corridors, often at night, where they are repeatedly fired on by soldiers.
The meeting marks a significant shift in the aid community’s stance on GHF, as it seeks to distance itself from the organization’s controversial operations. The UN and other agencies have long advocated for humanitarian principles over military interests.
Source: https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/news/2025/08/08/international-aid-agencies-hold-secret-collaboration-meeting-gaza-humanitarian