**Controversy Surrounds Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s Aid Distribution Scheme**
A joint statement by over 170 charities, NGOs, and other groups has called for an end to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s (GHF) aid distribution scheme. The GHF is a US-Israeli-funded organization that has been distributing aid in Gaza since Israel partially lifted its 11-week total ban on May 26.
**Critics Claim Israeli Forces Are Intentionally Targeting Aid-Seekers**
The joint statement claims that more than 500 Palestinians have been killed while seeking help from the GHF since it began operating. Critics, including Oxfam and Save the Children, say that Israeli forces and armed militias “routinely open fire” on Palestinians who are seeking assistance. They claim that this is a blatant disregard for humanitarian norms and that the GHF’s system is forcing 2 million people into militarized and overcrowded zones where they are subjected to daily gunfire.
**GHF Denies Allegations, Claims It Is Providing Direct Assistance**
The GHF has responded to criticism by saying that it has delivered over 52 million meals in just five weeks. A spokesperson for the organization claimed that other aid groups “stand helplessly by as their aid is stolen” and that they have offered assistance to these groups but been refused.
**UN Secretary General Describes GHF’s System as “Inherently Unsafe”**
On Friday, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres described the GHF’s system of aid distribution as “inherently unsafe” and added: “It kills people.” The UN has long opposed the GHF’s plan, claiming that it would “militarize” aid and bypass existing networks.
**Israeli Military Investigating Reports of Civilians Being Harmed**
The Israeli military has stated that it is investigating reports of civilians being harmed when approaching GHF distribution centers. However, an unnamed Israel Defense Forces soldier claimed to a Haaretz reporter that they were told to shoot at unarmed civilians near aid distribution sites in order to drive them away or disperse. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly rejected the report, calling the allegations “malicious lies.”
**NGOs Warn of Impossibly Difficult Choices for Gazans**
The more than 170 NGOs that have signed the joint statement warn that Palestinians in Gaza face an impossible decision: starve to death or risk being shot while trying to get food. Orphaned and caregiver children are among those who have been killed, with over half of all attacks against civilians at GHF distribution centers resulting in injuries.
**The Death Toll Continues to Rise**
According to the health ministry of Gaza, at least 56,647 deaths have occurred since May 26. This includes 583 people who died while seeking help from the GHF.
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