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**New Gaza Aid Foundation Sparks Controversy, Accusations of Politicizing Humanitarian Relief**

**Gaza City** – A newly established organization, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), approved by Israel and backed by the United States, is facing intense scrutiny and criticism from United Nations officials and humanitarian groups. The GHF aims to distribute aid within the Gaza Strip, where a dire humanitarian crisis is unfolding due to ongoing conflict and restrictions on aid entry.

While the U.S. hails the GHF as a potential solution to the crisis, critics argue that it lacks the capacity and experience to address the needs of over two million Palestinians and that it represents a politicization of aid.

The GHF, slated to begin operations before the end of May, plans to establish secure distribution sites and coordinate with the Israeli military, with security provided by private contractors. Its stated goal is to provide a “basic amount of food” to Palestinians, eventually reaching the entire population.

However, established aid organizations and the UN argue they already possess the infrastructure and resources to effectively distribute aid if granted unrestricted access. They accuse Israel of intentionally hindering aid delivery and creating a situation where one in five Gazans face starvation, with 93% experiencing acute food shortages, according to a recent UN-backed assessment.

Critics highlight concerns about the GHF’s independence, given its close coordination with the Israeli military and lack of Palestinian involvement in its design and implementation. Some accuse Israel of using aid as a bargaining chip, furthering political and military objectives.

“It makes aid conditional on political and military aims. It makes starvation a bargaining chip. It is a cynical sideshow,” said UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher.

Humanitarian organizations are also concerned about the GHF’s limited distribution points, which could force vulnerable populations to travel long distances to receive assistance. They highlight the existing 400 distribution points already in place and ready to deploy the current aid ready to deliver. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) issued a statement, expressing concern that the GHF mechanism would not allow for distribution in accordance with core humanitarian principles of impartiality, humanity, and independence.

Eleven humanitarian and human rights organizations co-signed a statement rejecting the GHF, alleging that it is led by Western security and military figures with close ties to Israel, while Gazans remain under total siege.

“The Problem is Not Logistics,” the statement from the 11 humanitarian groups read. “It Is Intentional Starvation.”

As the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the debate over the GHF underscores the complex challenges of delivering aid in a conflict zone and the deep divisions surrounding the role of international actors in addressing the crisis.

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