130 Charities Call for Termination of US-Backed Gaza Aid Group: A Critical Stand for Change

More than 130 charities and NGOs are calling for the closure of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which is backed by Israel and the U.S. Since GHF began its operations in late May, over 500 Palestinians have died while trying to access aid, and nearly 4,000 have been wounded. Organizations like Oxfam, Save the Children, and Amnesty International claim that Israeli forces regularly open fire on those seeking help.

Israel, however, insists that its soldiers do not target aid recipients and defends the GHF by stating that it provides necessary assistance while circumventing Hamas interference.

In a recent statement, prominent charities criticized GHF for violating basic humanitarian principles. They argue that the foundation has led to overcrowded and militarized zones where people face constant gunfire. Eyewitnesses, including medics and reports from the Hamas-run health ministry, have documented daily fatalities among those attempting to access aid sites.

The GHF operational model reduced 400 aid distribution points to just four military-controlled sites. This change occurs at a time when Palestinians are choosing between starvation and risking their lives to obtain food. Tragically, many casualties include orphaned children and caregivers, highlighting the urgent need for a safe and effective aid system.

United Nations agencies have also condemned the GHF model. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres labeled it "inherently unsafe," echoing earlier criticisms from the UN about the militarization of aid and the dangers faced by civilians.

The Israeli military has promised to investigate reports of harm to civilians near GHF sites. However, a report from Haaretz indicated that some Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) members claimed they were instructed to disperse unarmed civilians by using gunfire. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed these claims as "malicious falsehoods."

In response to the ongoing crisis, the IDF announced plans to improve accessibility to the aid distribution centers. This will reportedly involve new fencing and directional signs aimed at enhancing safety and organization.

Despite these measures, the coalition of charities strongly believes that the GHF does not qualify as a humanitarian solution. They report that among severe hunger and famine-like conditions, many families feel too weak to compete for the offered food rations.

These circumstances highlight the dire need for a more effective and humane approach to aid delivery in Gaza, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations can receive assistance without facing life-threatening risks. For more details on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, you can refer to reports from organizations like Oxfam and Save the Children.

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