Tue May 27 12:33:20 UTC 2025: **UN Slams US-Backed Aid Group as ‘Distraction’ Amid Gaza Crisis, Death Toll Exceeds 54,000**

**Gaza City** – The United Nations has strongly criticized the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a controversial aid group engaged by Israel and backed by the United States, calling its operations a “distraction” from the urgent need for unrestricted aid access to Gaza. The criticism comes as the Palestinian death toll in the enclave surpassed 54,000, and Israel continues its military offensive.

The GHF, which bypasses established UN and charity aid distribution networks, has begun distributing food in southern Gaza. However, the UN and other international aid agencies are refusing to cooperate, citing concerns that the operation could “weaponize” aid and exacerbate displacement. They raise serious questions about the groups ties with Israeli government. Concerns include that the new operation will rely on four main distribution centres in southern Gaza that will screen families for involvement with the Palestinian group Hamas, potentially using facial recognition or biometric technology.

Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN humanitarian office, emphasized the need to reopen all crossings into Gaza and expedite Israeli approvals for emergency supplies currently waiting at the border. The GHF’s launch occurred despite the resignation of its executive director, Jake Wood, who cited the organization’s inability to adhere to humanitarian principles.

Concerns are mounting over GHF’s ties to the Israeli government, raising questions about aid being used as a political tool and whether the process may further displace the population. The UN and many aid organizations say only those who move southwards will get aid, meaning, “People will be forced to travel long distances under very dangerous security circumstances in order to get parcels that will be enough for a few days; and, later on, they will need to travel again.”

Former UNRWA spokesperson Chris Gunness labeled the GHF scheme as “aid washing,” accusing it of using humanitarian aid to justify the weaponization of assistance, ethnic cleansing, and potential genocide.

The launch of the GHF operation coincides with escalating international condemnation of Israel over the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen denounced Israel’s deadly strikes on civilian facilities, and several European nations, including France, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany, have threatened concrete action if Israel doesn’t cease its offensive and lift aid restrictions.

Meanwhile, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has publicly advocated for denying aid to Gaza.

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