Humanitarian Aid Distribution Program in the Gaza Strip is a joint American-Israeli program by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation[1] designed to facilitate the entry and distribution of humanitarian aid (such as food, medicine, and supplies) to the civilian population in the Gaza Strip, in response to the 11 week blockade of food entry into Gaza imposed by Israel.[1] The program began operating on May 26, 2025.
The program involves opening several food distribution centers in southern Gaza, the first of which was established in the Tel al-Sultan area of Rafah. Four additional centers are planned, each expected to serve approximately 300,000 people.[2]
The centers are managed by an American contractor, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), rather than by UN agencies or traditional international aid organizations.[2]
The facilities are secured by American contractors and remotely monitored by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). GHF has pledged not to share any personally identifiable information about aid recipients with Israeli authorities.[2]
The assistance primarily includes food packages, drinking water, medicine, and tents.[2]
The operation has been criticized for "[distracting] from what is actually needed" by a UN spokesman.[1] The UN and many other aid groups refuse to cooperate with the GHF and accuse them of "[weaponising] aid".[1][3]
These groups have raised concerns about the exclusion of those with mobility issues, an increase of displacement, the exposure of thousands of people to harm and that the aid will be conditional on political and military aims, which could set an "unacceptable" precedent for aid delivery around the world.[1][4]
The aid boxes also weigh 20kg and must be carried by hand, which potentially excludes weak and injured people.[3]
Israel claims that an alternative distribution pathway to the one of the UN is needed since Hamas allegedly steals aid, which the group has denied.[1]
The program has also been criticized for their attempt to subvert the UN pathway and Switzerland is currently investigating GHF.[5][6]
On May 25, 2025, the executive director of GHF Jake Wood announced that he was stepping down because it was impossible to meet the foundation's objectives while "strictly adhering to the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, which I will not abandon."[7] He also called on Israel to allow significantly more aid to enter Gaza through all pathways and for such aid to be allowed in without diversion or discrimination, while also calling on Hamas to release the hostages.[8] The GHF said its operations would begin without Wood, and that it would be feeding more than one million Palestinians within a week.[9]
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