A dramatic restructuring of Gaza’s humanitarian aid system by Israel has plunged the territory into deeper crisis. Since May, the new Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), backed by Israel and set to replace the UN-led network, has failed to match previous aid levels. Residents now endure extreme scarcity, surging prices, and deteriorating health conditions as a result of inadequate food deliveries and limited distribution points.

Aid Cut by Over 85% as UN Replaced

The Israeli military's decision to overhaul Gaza’s aid infrastructure in May—transferring authority from the United Nations to the Israeli-approved Gaza Humanitarian Foundation—has led to a steep decline in the volume of aid entering the enclave. Between January and March during a temporary cease-fire, 295,120 tons of aid were delivered. That figure dropped to just 38,252 tons under the new system, according to Israeli military data.

Although GHF was intended to streamline aid delivery, the foundation has been unable to scale operations to meet the urgent humanitarian needs. It operates far fewer aid distribution sites than the UN once did and lacks the capacity and international support to coordinate deliveries across Gaza.

Desperation at Limited Distribution Points

Palestinians across Gaza now rely on just four GHF-operated aid distribution centers, creating deadly bottlenecks. Long queues and overcrowding are common, with many walking for hours to reach aid trucks, only to find empty shelves or receive meager rations.

“The crowds are huge and the quantities are tiny,” said 21-year-old Jameel Al-Nahhal from Rafah. “What I bring back lasts a day or two at most.”

Al-Nahhal, responsible for feeding his entire family, says his haul depends on luck. On good days, he receives flour, lentils, and cooking oil. GHF claims each box contains enough for six people for four days, including staples like flour, rice, oil, tea, tuna, cookies, and beans. But many Palestinians dispute this, saying boxes often lack protein and essential nutrients.

UN, Aid Groups Boycott GHF

The transition has sparked sharp criticism. UN agencies and major humanitarian organizations have refused to cooperate with GHF, accusing the Israeli-designed system of violating humanitarian principles. They allege that Israel restricts access to the enclave and impedes safe operations for neutral aid workers.

GHF and Israeli officials blame the UN, claiming international groups are refusing to collect aid piling up on the Gaza border. But UN agencies say that insecurity, lack of coordination, and political manipulation of aid have forced them to suspend engagement with the new mechanism.

Despite mounting pressure, Israel has not returned operational control to the UN but has allowed some U.N. trucks into Gaza and resumed limited airdrops of flour, sugar, and canned goods. A tactical pause in military operations in some areas was also announced to facilitate aid deliveries.

Food Prices Skyrocket Amid Shortage

The collapse of aid distribution has had devastating economic consequences. The consumer price index for food in Gaza has risen 1,281% since December 2022, making essential goods unaffordable for most families. This spike surpasses all previous periods of fighting and blockades.

Photos and reports from Gaza show residents hauling flour on foot across long distances, and severely malnourished children receiving emergency care at hospitals. With no sign of sustainable relief, hunger is now spreading from the north to all corners of the enclave.

Breakdown of GHF Ration Boxes

According to GHF data, a typical aid box weighs 43 pounds and includes:

• 22 lbs wheat flour
• 4.4 lbs red lentils
• 2.2 lbs each of fava beans, chickpeas, pasta, green beans, and iodized salt
• 3.3 lbs halva
• 1 liter vegetable oil

GHF has recently begun importing onions and potatoes, but protein-rich items remain largely absent. Aid distribution continues on a first-come, first-served basis, often prompting chaos and risking lives amid ongoing hostilities.