Gaza city: UN experts today expressed grave concern over the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's (GHF) operations, stating that Palestinians are paying the ultimate price for the international community's legal, political, and moral failures.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the experts highlighted Israel's obligations under international humanitarian law as the occupying power, emphasizing the need for the protection and provision of essential services to civilians in occupied territories.
The experts criticized the GHF, established by Israel in February 2025 with US support, for allegedly distributing aid in Gaza. They labeled it a disturbing example of how humanitarian relief can be manipulated for covert military and geopolitical agendas, violating international law. The involvement of Israeli intelligence, US contractors, and ambiguous non-governmental entities underscores the urgent need for international oversight and action under UN auspices.
The experts warned of the normalization of impunity when war crimes are ignored in exchange for temporary relief. They expressed concern over Israel being left to manage aid distribution without oversight, despite accusations of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
The statement highlighted that Israeli forces and foreign military contractors have been firing indiscriminately at people seeking aid at GHF-operated sites. Since assuming functions previously performed by UN agencies, notably UNRWA, nearly 1,400 people have been killed, and over 4,000 injured while seeking food. The experts reported at least 859 deaths around GHF sites since late May 2025.
Access to these sites is particularly challenging for the most vulnerable, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and older individuals. The experts criticized the use of "humanitarian" in GHF's name, calling it an insult to humanitarian standards and an example of Israel's humanitarian camouflage.
The tragic situation occurs amid the forced displacement of over 90% of Gaza's population and a staggering death toll exceeding 60,000. Recent reports from Gaza's Ministry of Health indicate 180 deaths due to malnutrition, including 93 children.
The experts stressed that blocking or delaying aid is not only inhumane but a war crime aimed at starving civilians within the context of a well-documented and globally denounced genocide. They emphasized that access to food, water, medicine, and critical services is a legal duty, particularly in the illegally occupied Palestinian territory.
The experts urged Israel to comply with the International Court of Justice's decision, which declared the occupation unlawful and ordered the withdrawal of troops, dismantling of settlements, and cessation of resource exploitation. They called for Member States to support the enforcement of this decision.
In conclusion, the experts demanded the dismantling of the GHF, accountability for its executives, and the restoration of humanitarian assistance credibility by allowing experienced UN and civil society actors to manage aid distribution. They also urged Member States to impose a full arms embargo on Israel and suspend trade and investment agreements that harm Palestinians, while holding corporate entities accountable.
