🔗 Share this article Controversial US-backed GHF Aid Organization Ends Relief Activities The GHF had paused its food distribution centers in Gaza subsequent to the ceasefire came into force recently The controversial, United States and Israel-funded Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) announces it is terminating its aid operations in the Gaza region, following nearly half a year. The group had already suspended its multiple aid distribution centers in Gaza following the halt in hostilities between Palestinian factions and Israel came into force recently. The foundation sought to bypass the UN as the chief distributor of relief to Palestinian residents. UN and other aid agencies would not collaborate with its approach, claiming it was improper and dangerous. Hundreds of Palestinians were lost their lives while seeking food amid chaotic scenes near the foundation's locations, mainly through Israeli military action, based on UN documentation. Israeli authorities stated its forces fired cautionary rounds. Program Termination The GHF said on Monday that it was winding down operations now because of the "effective conclusion of its humanitarian effort", with a cumulative three million shipments containing the amounting to in excess of 187 million sustenance units distributed to Gazans. The organization's top administrator, the foundation leader, also said the United States-operated coordination body - which has been created to help carry out the American administration's Gaza initiative - would be "implementing and enlarging the model GHF piloted". "The organization's system, in which militant groups were prevented from misappropriating relief supplies, had major impact in getting Hamas to the table and securing a halt in hostilities." Feedback and Statements Hamas - which denies stealing aid - welcomed the closure of the GHF, based on information. A representative of stated the foundation should be held accountable for the negative impact it created to Palestinians. "We call upon all global human rights groups to ensure that it does not escape accountability after leading to casualties and wounds of thousands of Gazans and covering up the nutritional restriction approach employed by the Israeli authorities." Foundation History The GHF began operations in Gaza on late May, a seven days following Israeli authorities had somewhat relaxed a complete restriction on relief and commercial goods to Gaza that lasted 11 weeks and caused severe shortages of vital resources. Three months later, a famine was declared in Gaza City. The foundation's nourishment distribution centers in southern and central Gaza were managed by US private security contractors and positioned in areas controlled by Israeli forces. Relief Agency Issues International organizations and their affiliates stated the methodology contravened the basic relief guidelines of neutrality, impartiality and independence, and that channelling desperate people into armed forces regions was fundamentally dangerous. The UN's human rights office stated it documented the fatalities of no fewer than 859 Gazans attempting to obtain nourishment in the vicinity of GHF sites between spring and summer months. A further 514 persons were lost their lives close to the routes of UN and other aid convoys, it also mentioned. Most of them were killed by the Israel's armed forces, based on the agency's reports. Contrasting Reports Israel's armed services claimed its forces had discharged cautionary rounds at individuals who came near them in a "intimidating" fashion. The GHF said there were no shooting events at the aid sites and alleged that United Nations of using "false and misleading" figures from the Palestinian health authority administered by Hamas. Future Implications The foundation's prospects had been unclear since militant groups and the Israeli government approved a ceasefire deal to implement the first phase of Trump's peace plan. The arrangement specified relief provision would take place "without interference from the both sides through the United Nations and its agencies, and the humanitarian medical organization, in addition to other global organizations not associated in any manner" with Hamas and Israel. UN spokesperson the international body's communicator said on Monday that the GHF's shutdown would have "no influence" on its work "because we never worked with them". The official further mentioned that while increased relief was entering the region since the truce was implemented on early October, it was "inadequate to satisfy all requirements" of the 2.1 million residents.