The controversial US and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has confirmed it suspended operations in Gaza following the activation of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas on October 10. Despite having funding until November, the GHF announced its last aid delivery occurred on Friday.
Criticism has been directed at the GHF as reports emerged of hundreds of Palestinian casualties occurring while collecting food near the organization's distribution sites. Witnessed incidents reportedly involved Israeli forces, a claim consistently denied by Israel, which maintains that its troops did not fire on civilians at or near these sites. The GHF claims all distributions at its locations were executed without incident.
The group's northernmost aid distribution site, known as SDS4, was reportedly closed as it moved out of IDF-controlled territory. Satellite imagery indicated that it was dismantled shortly after the ceasefire came into effect, reflecting disruptions at the site.
In response to inquiries, the GHF spokesman expressed, Right now we're paused. We feel like there's still a need, a surge for as much aid as possible. Our goal is to resume aid distribution. There have been speculations suggesting that the final terms of the ceasefire might exclude their participation in relief efforts.
Analysis of United Nations data indicates minimal change in aid collected from crossings following the ceasefire initiation. Although there has been a slight increase in aid leaving Israeli-controlled crossings compared to prior weeks, figures remain consistent with those from September. Reports show that approximately 20% of aid successfully reaches its intended destination, with over 7,000 aid trucks intercepted either by civilians in need or forceful engagements with armed actors.
Sources within the UN delivered cautious optimism, hoping that looting would diminish in the coming weeks if law and order is restored alongside assurances regarding the ceasefire. A UN OCHA spokesperson noted the importance of enhancing aid distribution while re-establishing service points, emphasizing the need for safety assurances and the removal of dangers such as unexploded ordnance.
