Mon Oct 13 00:08:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, the controversial U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) is ceasing operations at its food distribution sites in Gaza. Palestinians and aid workers have criticized GHF’s methods, alleging that they forced aid-seekers to risk their lives due to Israeli troop presence and crowd control measures. The United Nations, which had opposed the GHF, is preparing to scale up its aid delivery to Gaza. While the future of GHF’s long-term involvement is uncertain, there is a plan to deliver more aid through other agencies, according to three officials with knowledge of the situation.

**News Article:**

**Gaza Humanitarian Foundation Scaling Back Aid Distribution in Gaza Following Ceasefire**

**JERUSALEM – October 13, 2025:** In the wake of a fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) is shutting down its controversial food distribution centers across the Gaza Strip. The move comes amid persistent criticism over the safety of Palestinians seeking assistance at these sites.

An Egyptian official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that the closure is part of the ceasefire agreement. Multiple Palestinian witnesses reported the abandonment of GHF sites in Rafah and Netzarim, with residents scavenging materials from the deserted locations.

Concerns have long been raised about the dangers faced by Palestinians traveling to GHF distribution points. Critics claim that Israeli troops opened fire on crowds attempting to reach the aid, resulting in at least 2,500 deaths and hundreds more injuries. The Israeli military maintains that they only fired warning shots.

The United Nations, which had previously voiced opposition to the GHF’s presence, is now preparing to significantly increase its aid delivery to Gaza. U.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher stated that aid trucks had already begun entering Gaza, bringing in essential supplies like cooking gas. The U.N. has stockpiled 170,000 metric tons of food, medicine, and other humanitarian aid and is preparing to restore basic services in the region.

“Much of Gaza is a wasteland,” Fletcher said. “But I’m absolutely determined that we will not fail. … We will strain every sinew to deliver for the people of Gaza.” He said the U.N. has the networks, the expertise and the experience to beat the famine that has taken hold in Gaza City.

While the GHF insists that the closures are only “temporary” while hostages are transferred to Israel, U.S. officials have indicated that future funding for the organization is uncertain. A GHF spokesperson acknowledged the “tactical changes” to the organization’s operations, but insisted that there is “no change to our long-term plan.” COGAT, the Israeli military body in charge of humanitarian aid in Gaza, also indicated that it was unclear on GHF’s future in Gaza.

The GHF’s entry into Gaza in late May followed months of restricted food access, sparking widespread famine. The Israeli government initially envisioned the GHF replacing the U.N.’s food distribution network, alleging that Hamas was diverting aid.

The future of aid distribution in Gaza remains uncertain, but all parties appear to agree on the need to scale up assistance to the devastated region.

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