A coalition of more than 130 humanitarian organizations has demanded the immediate shutdown of the Israeli and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, citing deadly conditions and systemic violations of humanitarian principles.

According to groups including Oxfam, Amnesty International, and Save the Children, at least 500 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 4,000 injured since the GHF began operations in late May. The deaths occurred amid a devastating Israeli blockade, with witnesses and medics reporting near-daily gunfire at distribution points.

The GHF replaced a temporary ceasefire-era system with just four military-controlled sites, down from 400. These areas—concentrated in Gaza’s far southwest and central zones—are described as overcrowded and militarized, forcing desperate civilians into “impossible choices,” NGOs say.

International Condemnation Mounts

UN Secretary-General António Guterres criticized the GHF as “inherently unsafe,” warning it forces two million people into danger. UN agencies previously warned the plan would militarize aid and compel Gazans to cross unsafe terrain for survival.

The joint NGO statement emphasized that “orphaned children and caregivers are among the dead,” noting children were harmed in more than half of the reported attacks.

Israel Pushes Back on Allegations

Israel denies that its forces deliberately target aid recipients. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed it is reviewing all reports and has begun implementing changes including improved fencing, signage, and site coordination.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed reports in Haaretz quoting unnamed IDF soldiers as “malicious falsehoods.” The IDF reiterated it is not intentionally harming civilians and is reorganizing operations to ensure safer aid access.

Militarized Aid Amid Famine

The GHF system was launched following a three-month total blockade on Gaza and has since been criticized for collapsing the broader aid infrastructure. UN officials and rights groups argue it prioritizes control over humanitarian need, worsening conditions already likened to forced starvation.

In the words of the aid organizations: “GHF is not a humanitarian response. Amidst severe hunger and famine-like conditions, many families tell us they are now too weak to compete for food rations.”