Aid Organizations Distance Themselves from Controversial Food Aid Plan in Gaza

Background on GHF and Its Proposal

A newly established organization, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), has proposed to deliver food aid in Gaza, prompting significant concern within the humanitarian community. In a letter dated May 22, GHF's executive director, Jake Wood, communicated with Cogat, the Israeli military unit responsible for overseeing aid logistics. In this correspondence, Wood expressed gratitude for Cogat’s engagement and stated that Israel has agreed to allow non-food humanitarian supplies, such as medical and hygiene items, under the existing UN-led aid framework.

Controversy Over Food Aid Distribution

Wood informed Cogat that GHF would continue to receive food aid through “qualified humanitarian agencies” while expanding to at least eight secure distribution sites. This part of the plan has left many in the aid community uneasy. Several prominent organizations, including Save the Children, International Medical Corps, Catholic Relief Services, Mercy Corps, Care International, and Project Hope, participated in a call convened by Wood. However, they quickly clarified that this meeting should not be construed as an endorsement of GHF’s approach.

Reactions from Aid Organizations

The letter has sparked frustration and confusion among aid workers. Many expressed concerns that collaborating exclusively with GHF undermines the broader aid principles supported by the UN and the NGO sector. Comments from aid workers suggest that GHF might be experiencing difficulties in promoting its plan, which seems to shift away from its original assertions under growing scrutiny.

• Project Hope stated that attending an informational meeting with GHF does not imply support or collaboration.
• Mercy Corps clarified that their communications with GHF were aimed at understanding the new aid delivery mechanisms, not forming a partnership.
• Care International emphasized that they have not aligned with GHF and raised concerns that aid must never be a tool for negotiation.
• Save the Children firmly stated they will not compromise humanitarian principles and will not work under systems that restrict the response from multiple humanitarian actors.

GHF’s Position and Future Actions

A spokesperson for GHF defended the organization, asserting that the call's purpose was merely informational and did not involve negotiations for aid distribution. They indicated that Israel's recent commitment to allow both food and non-food aid into Gaza is a direct outcome of GHF's advocacy efforts.

According to the spokesperson, GHF plans to establish four initial secure distribution sites throughout Gaza. They intend to expand these sites in the coming month to ensure adequate food supply as they become fully operational.

Increased Scrutiny and Concerns

Despite these plans, the GHF faces heightened scrutiny. Investigations by major media outlets have raised questions about the organization’s ties to Israeli officials and its operational transparency. Such revelations add another layer of complexity to an already contentious aid relief scenario in Gaza.