Israel defends Gaza Humanitarian Foundation as UN pushes to control aid
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has faced criticism since its inception last month, with reports of violence near distribution sites. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) recently admitted to shooting “suspects” who ignored orders to back away from soldiers.
The United Nations has been a vocal critic of GHF, with U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher urging the world to let his agency handle the situation. Israeli officials, however, argue that GHF is distributing aid without benefiting Hamas.
Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Oren Marmorstein accused Hamas of sabotaging GHF’s efforts to distribute aid directly to the people. He claimed that Hamas is afraid of losing control over Gaza’s population if GHF is successful.
The U.S. vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire, the return of hostages, and the lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid entering Gaza. The U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Dorothy Shea criticized the resolution for failing to acknowledge past shortcomings in aid delivery methods that allowed Hamas to benefit at the expense of Palestinians.
Shea urged U.N. member states to support GHF in delivering aid safely without interference from Hamas. Israeli U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon accused the U.N. of using “mafia-like” tactics against NGOs working with GHF.
GHF temporarily paused its aid distribution to enhance security measures but later resumed operations. The organization continues to face challenges in delivering aid amidst escalating tensions in Gaza.
Rachel Wolf, a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and FOX Business, contributed to this article.
