A controversial humanitarian initiative backed by the U.S. and Israel in Gaza has drawn sharp criticism from global leaders, with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres declaring it is "killing people" and medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) condemning it as "slaughter masquerading as aid."
Aid Distribution Under Fire
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), operated by U.S. security contractors and approved by Israeli authorities, has faced accusations of endangering civilians by centralizing aid distribution at four militarized zones. Traditional UN-led efforts typically use community-level distribution networks.
MSF reports over 500 deaths in recent weeks as Palestinians risk gunfire to access food. UN officials claim more than 400 fatalities have occurred since Israel lifted an 11-week aid blockade on May 19, with most deaths linked to GHF sites.
UN Condemns "Death Trap" Model
Guterres called the GHF system "inherently unsafe," emphasizing: "People are being killed simply trying to feed themselves." Philippe Lazzarini of UNRWA likened the situation to a "Hunger Games" scenario, while OCHA documented multiple incidents of crowds coming under fire at distribution points.
Israel maintains its military "never targets civilians" and accuses the UN of "aligning with Hamas." The GHF denies all casualty claims, alleging UN disinformation.
Calls for Ceasefire Grow
As humanitarian workers face starvation themselves, Guterres urged "political courage for a ceasefire" to address what UNRWA describes as a "degrading abomination" worsening Gaza's humanitarian crisis. The standoff highlights growing tensions over aid delivery mechanisms in conflict zones.
