One hundred fifty humanitarian organizations have called for the shutdown of the U.S.-Israeli–backed Gaza aid distribution, triggering fears of a collapse in relief that could leave millions without essential supplies.
At a Glance
- 150 humanitarian organizations have called for the dismantling of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
- Since late May, more than 500 Palestinians have been killed near aid distribution sites.
- The foundation uses private U.S. security and logistics firms, bypassing U.N. coordination.
- The United Nations has labeled the operation “inherently unsafe.”
- The foundation says it delivered over 52 million meals in five weeks.
Coalition Demands Shutdown
On July 1, 2025, 150 aid groups—including Oxfam, Doctors Without Borders and Amnesty International—issued a joint call in Geneva to end the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation scheme and restore U.N.-led relief channels. They warned that directing civilians into militarized distribution hubs places them directly in harm’s way.
In their public statement, the coalition asserted that Palestinians “face an impossible choice: starve or risk being shot while trying to reach food,” and urged the U.S. and its partners to pressure Israel to revert to impartial aid routes.
Deadly Incidents Spark Outcry
Since operations began in late May 2025, Gaza health authorities report that over 500 people attempting to collect aid have been killed by direct gunfire near foundation sites. Doctors Without Borders teams treating survivors documented 22 fatalities and 548 injuries at two primary health centers in a single month, linking wounds to targeted shootings rather than crowd control measures.
Save the Children’s Gaza director cautioned that children comprise a disproportionate share of victims, with schools and playgrounds perilously close to fortified distribution points. Medical teams say the pattern of strikes indicates a systematic failure to safeguard civilians.
Humanitarian and Political Fallout
The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has condemned the private aid program as “inherently unsafe,” noting that any plan funneled through militarized checkpoints violates core principles of neutrality and impartiality. U.N. officials have repeatedly called for all relief activities to return under U.N. coordination, warning that civilian deaths will only mount if the current model persists.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation defends its approach, highlighting delivery of more than 52 million meals within five weeks and accusing traditional agencies of failing to secure supplies from looters. Yet analysts warn that without immediate reform or reinstatement of U.N. oversight, the risk of further mass casualties and a deepening famine will only intensify.
