Is the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation Making Things Worse?

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) is facing strong criticism. Many people are calling for its centers to close. 
This comes after reports of more deaths at these sites. People seeking food have been killed. Over 640 people have died since the GHF started operating five weeks ago.

The Swiss government is taking steps to shut down the Geneva branch of the GHF. They cite legal problems. Also, over 200 non-
governmental organizations (NGOs) have asked for the GHF to be disbanded. 

They say the GHF has replaced 400 aid distribution points with only four militarized zones. Palestinians face danger and death while trying to get food at these zones.
Many groups worry about how the GHF operates. They want aid to be given safely and fairly. The UN says that aid distribution must follow accepted standards. They want to make sure people are not put at risk.

Hardin Lang, Vice President for Programs and Policy at Refugees International, 
shared his thoughts on the situation. He believes the GHF is a militarized solution to a humanitarian crisis.

Israel and the U.S. say the GHF is meant to stop aid from going to Hamas. But Lang says there is no clear proof of this. He says aid groups are ready to work with Israel and the U.S. to fix any real problems.

How the GHF Impacts Palestinians

The GHF hubs have replaced many UN and NGO distribution points. This forces people to travel far to get food. Lang suggests this may allow the Israeli military to displace Palestinians while pretending to offer food. This is against international law.

Lang says the GHF's model is not right if it requires using force against people. He also says if the occupying power uses force and kills Palestinians, the model is not fit to help.

The Future of Aid in Gaza

Over 600 Palestinians have died at GHF food sites. More than 200 NGOs want the sites closed. If there is a ceasefire, it is unclear if the UN will be allowed back into Gaza to improve the situation.

Lang says relying on the GHF system will not improve things much. After a ceasefire, the UN and aid groups need to return and restart their programs. The GHF could still operate, but it must stop killing Palestinians.