GHF Resumes Deliveries After Hamas Threats, Launches Pilot Program

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) says it successfully distributed 17,000 food boxes today across three locations in Rafah and central Gaza, just one day after halting operations due to threats made by Hamas operatives against its staff.

As part of a new pilot effort, GHF also dispatched 11 aid trucks to community leaders in northern Rafah. This strategy aims to deliver supplies directly to civilians, reducing the need for people to travel long distances and cross IDF lines to access humanitarian assistance.

“We will be reviewing the operations and determining if this is a viable option moving forward,” the organization said in a statement.

Despite recent reports of gunfire near aid sites and explicit threats from Hamas, GHF noted that today’s aid deliveries went forward “without incident.” The foundation emphasized that it is continuously adjusting its aid model to maximize reach while ensuring safety, and has plans to open more distribution sites in northern Gaza.

John Acree, GHF’s interim executive director, stated, “Recently, we have started a women’s and children only lane to ensure they receive aid and today we piloted a direct-to-community delivery.”

A GHF spokesman explained that trucks now deliver food “in population hubs outside of [the three aid centers], in order to reduce pressure on the main centers.” He clarified that “boxes are being distributed directly to people” rather than through warehouses, as a way to bypass interference from Hamas terrorists.

Earlier today, GHF confirmed it would reopen one of its aid centers in central Gaza after shuttering all three the previous day due to serious threats. One Arabic-language threat allegedly sent by Hamas warned: “This is your final warning: We are fully aware of everything you are doing… Continuing down this path will have serious consequences, and you will bear full responsibility for the results of your actions. Stop now, or else.”

Despite those warnings, GHF reported that today’s aid distribution proceeded safely at all three locations.

Over the past week, and again this morning, there have been unconfirmed reports of deadly IDF shootings in the vicinity of the aid centers operated by the foundation, which is backed by Israel and the United States.