Four main food distribution sites operated by the opaque company had been flashpoints of deadly violence
Four main food distribution sites operated by the opaque company had been flashpoints of deadly violence
A controversial and secretive private company backed by the US and Israel that distributed food in Gaza has announced the end of its operations in the devastated territory.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which had four food distribution sites that became flashpoints of chaos and deadly violence between May and October, said in a statement that it would shut down permanently, having “successfully completed its emergency mission”.
International aid organisations refused to work with the GHF, which was launched as famine loomed in Gaza after the total blockade on all supplies imposed by Israel in March.
The opaque company was considered by Israeli and US officials as an alternative to the United Nations, which the countries accused of failing to distribute aid efficiently and criticised over the looting in the territory.
Israel also accused Hamas of systematically diverting aid from the needy to fund its political, social and military operations.
Throughout the war, the UN led a massive humanitarian effort with other aid groups, distributing food, medicine, fuel and other supplies at more than 400 centres around Gaza despite massive logistical obstacles and tight restrictions imposed by Israel.
In August, a UN-mandated expert panel alleged that under the GHF aid was “exploited for covert military and geopolitical agendas”.
