The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, supported by the US and Israel, is under extreme investigation. This follows weeks of watching the IDF kill Palestinians within its aid distribution centers. Johnnie Moore, the new head of the GHF, is unapologetic in defending his organization’s work. They are determined to continue to deliver assistance in the midst of war. His comments come on the heels of his United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ assessment alarmed by the safety of the GHF’s aid system. He called the system “inherently unsafe.”
On Friday, Guterres went further, expressing alarm that the violence against civilians is worsening. One, he told the House, this is just dangerous to funnel asylum seekers into militarized zones. He emphasized, “The search for food must never be a death sentence.”
Moore defended against these damaging criticisms in a recent extended interview with the BBC World Service’s Newshour. In his testimony he forcefully disputed the allegation that civilian casualties were directly the result of GHF operations. He told me claiming “100% of those casualties are being attributed to close proximity to GHF” is just “false.” His comments reflect a broader effort to mitigate the backlash facing the foundation, which has been accused of mishandling aid distribution and contributing to civilian deaths.
This controversy strikes close to home for Moore. He recently lost his wife and young daughter in an Israeli missile strike. His wife, an accomplished journalist, became the main journalist for the city’s one-person local media startup. This position illuminated the contradictory stories that shape local and regional media and humanitarian work. He will be buried with them, an immense personal tragedy in the midst of the colossal humanitarian catastrophe that is unfolding daily in Gaza.
Yet the GHF faces growing criticism, especially for its role in the distribution of aid. According to recent reports, over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed around its aid distribution sites. The group’s operations have been described as increasingly dangerous, and many are questioning whether they can effectively deliver assistance without endangering lives.
Despite these challenges, Moore has not wavered in his vigorous defense of the GHF’s mission. He emphasized that humanitarian aid is needed as a matter of great urgency in Gaza. The organization remains completely devoted to assisting those in urgent need.
Given these occurrences, rather than seeming like an exaggeration, Moore’s claim appears against the backdrop of rising antagonism and danger in our Valley. The GHF’s role in Gaza has spurred furious double standards arguments. Supporters, victims and the international community are asking whether humanitarian operations in conflict zones are effective and safe, whether foreign support for these organizations is ethical.
These issues raised by the UN are indicative of a larger call from humanitarian actors working in complex settings. Others are demanding urgent reforms to protect civilian lives and aid delivery does not expose civilians to increased risk. Beyond the specific policies, the discussions around these issues are critically important. They do have tangible consequences for thousands of lives affected by the dire Ukraine-Russia war.
With the world’s eyes still on Gaza, the conversation around the GHF and other humanitarian actors will continue to escalate. Leaders are urged to reflect on their strategies and address safety concerns while ensuring that humanitarian assistance reaches those who need it most.