The United Nations has sharply criticized a U.S.-administered food aid program in Gaza, calling its militarized distribution model "a recipe for disaster" amid reports of dozens of civilian deaths this week. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) – established with Israeli approval – requires starving residents to navigate militarized zones and evacuation areas to reach fortified aid sites guarded by private armed contractors.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' spokesperson Stephane Dujarric condemned the system that forces civilians "to walk between barbed wires" under unclear security oversight. At least 7 million meals have been distributed through three GHF sites since operations began last week, but aid groups refuse to collaborate with what they call a non-neutral, militarized framework.
The criticism comes as the UN Security Council prepares to vote Wednesday on a resolution demanding an Israel-Hamas ceasefire and full humanitarian access to Gaza. The draft text, obtained by Reuters, also calls for hostage releases and unrestricted aid distribution amid warnings of imminent famine.
"Israel has clear obligations under international law to facilitate relief," Dujarric emphasized, while Slovenia's UN envoy warned "our historical responsibility" requires urgent action. The GHF paused operations Wednesday, urging Israel to enhance civilian protections around its sites as international pressure mounts.
