• The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has ended its operations after delivering over 187 million meals in nine months.
• Controversy surrounds the GHF, which faced criticism for the dangerous conditions at its distribution sites.
• More than 2,000 Palestinians were reportedly killed near GHF's sites during its operations.
• GHF plans to hand over its model to the U.S.-led Civil-Military Coordination Center.
• The shutdown follows a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), backed by the United States and Israel, has announced the termination of its operations after nine months of delivering emergency assistance in Gaza. As stated by GHF Executive Director John Acree, the organization reported successfully providing over 187 million free meals to civilians during its operation, which began in late May 2023. However, it faced significant backlash for its approach to aid distribution, characterized by dangerous conditions for recipients, with many forced to traverse militarized zones to access food, according to aa, channelnewsasia, and latimes.

GHF initially aimed to replace the UN's role in Gaza by establishing a faster route for aid distribution, citing concerns that Hamas was diverting funds and resources intended for humanitarian relief. Despite the organization’s claim of providing a reliable aid system, it has been reported that over 2,000 Palestinians died either from gunfire or stampedes near GHF distribution points, highlighting the violence that plagued its operations. The UN has documented at least 859 fatalities connected to the GHF's aid sites, leading to calls for accountability from various human rights organizations, as noted by bbc and aljazeera.

As its operations come to a close, GHF cited its mission's successful completion while transitioning its model to the U.S.-led Civil-Military Coordination Center. This center will take over operations designed to distribute aid more effectively amidst ongoing violence in Gaza. The model previously utilized by GHF has been described as risky by Palestinians, with numerous instances of violence reported, including Israeli forces opening fire on crowds seeking aid. Acree stated, “We have succeeded in our mission of showing there’s a better way to deliver aid to Gazans,” according to latimes and bbc.

Criticism of GHF intensified after numerous violent incidents at its operating sites, leading to its eventual shutdown in light of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement effective from October 10, 2023. The GHF's controversial operational history, including accusations of fostering conditions leading to violence and casualties among aid seekers, reflects broader tensions regarding humanitarian aid in Gaza. The humanitarian landscape remains dire, as the United Nations reported that additional aid is still necessary to address the needs of the over two million people in Gaza, according to aa and aljazeera.