GHF Temporarily Halts Operations Amid Overcrowding Crisis

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a US-supported private aid organization that operates outside the UN-run relief structure in Gaza, announced it had to shut down its operations early today because “excessive crowding… made it unsafe to proceed.”

In its statement, GHF emphasized, “At no point did violence occur.”

The organization has suspended its distribution due to violence and overcrowding several times since beginning operations last month.

GHF is supported by Israel and the US due to its efforts to prevent Hamas terrorists from confiscating the aid

This declaration followed a similar message posted earlier on GHF’s Arabic-language Facebook page, which serves as its direct communication channel with residents of Gaza.

The Arabic post explained that GHF closed its two distribution sites in Rafah because the arrival of large crowds, especially before official opening hours, disrupted the planned food handout.

The message also urged Gazans to wait until they receive official notifications from GHF before traveling to the distribution centers.

GHF reported that it has handed out around 25,000 food boxes since starting operations late last month. But those with male family members physically capable of the journey and the task of carrying the heavy boxes home often have a considerable advantage. The aid boxes largely contain dry food items that require cooking, posing a challenge in a region where both stoves and functioning community kitchens are scarce due to ongoing war damage.

The group did not disclose how many aid packages it distributed today, but a spokesperson confirmed that operations are scheduled to resume on Saturday.

Despite having established three aid locations, GHF has only opened one or two sites on most days since its May 26 launch. There is still no indication when a northern Gaza site will become operational.

Earlier this week, the dangers of accessing aid were laid bare when the Israeli military acknowledged three consecutive days of shooting near aid routes. The IDF claimed it fired only warning shots at Palestinians who deviated from pre-approved roads.