Controversial American-supported Gaza Relief Group Concludes Relief Activities
The debated, United States and Israel-funded Gaza relief foundation says it is concluding its relief activities in the Palestinian territory, following nearly half a year.
The foundation had already suspended its three food distribution sites in Gaza following the halt in hostilities between Palestinian factions and Israel was implemented six weeks ago.
The foundation sought to avoid UN systems as the main supplier of humanitarian assistance to Gazans.
UN and other aid agencies refused to co-operate with its approach, claiming it was improper and dangerous.
Hundreds of Palestinians were killed while attempting to obtain sustenance amid chaotic scenes near the organization's distribution points, mainly through Israeli military action, according to the UN.
The Israeli military claimed its forces fired alerting fire.
Operation Conclusion
The foundation announced on the beginning of the week that it was winding down operations now because of the "successful completion of its emergency mission", with a cumulative three million shipments containing the corresponding to over 187 million food portions delivered to Palestinians.
The GHF's executive director, the foundation leader, further mentioned the US-led Civil-Military Coordination Centre (CMCC) - which has been created to help implement the American administration's Gaza initiative - would be "implementing and enlarging the system the foundation tested".
"The foundation's approach, in which Palestinian factions were unable to divert and benefit from humanitarian assistance, had major impact in bringing Palestinian factions to negotiations and achieving a ceasefire."
Reactions and Responses
The militant group - which disputes allegations of misappropriation - supported the shutdown of the GHF, according to reports.
An official from declared the foundation should be subject to scrutiny for the negative impact it created to Gazans.
"We call upon all worldwide humanitarian bodies to ensure that it does not escape accountability after causing the death and injury of many residents and covering up the food deprivation strategy practised by the Israeli authorities."
Foundation History
The GHF began operations in Gaza on late May, a seven days following Israeli authorities had somewhat relaxed a total blockade on relief and commercial goods to Gaza that continued for 77 days and caused severe shortages of necessary provisions.
After 90 days, a food crisis was announced in Gaza City.
The organization's sustenance provision locations in southern and central Gaza were operated by American private security firms and positioned in regions under Israeli military authority.
Relief Agency Issues
International organizations and their affiliates stated the approach contravened the fundamental humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence, and that channelling desperate people into militarised zones was inherently unsafe.
The UN's human rights office stated it documented the killing of at least 859 Palestinians seeking food in the vicinity of GHF sites between spring and summer months.
An additional 514 individuals were lost their lives close to the paths taken by United Nations and additional relief shipments, it also mentioned.
The greater part of these people were killed by the Israel's armed forces, according to the office.
Divergent Narratives
Israeli defense forces claimed its forces had fired warning shots at people who approached them in a "menacing" fashion.
The organization declared there were no firearm incidents at the distribution centers and alleged that United Nations of using "inaccurate and deceptive" statistics from the Gazan medical department controlled by militant factions.
Ongoing Situation
The foundation's prospects had been unclear since Palestinian factions and Israeli authorities consented a ceasefire deal to implement the first phase of the American administration's peace initiative.
It said relief provision would take place "free from intervention from the two parties through the UN organizations and their partners, and the humanitarian medical organization, in combination with other worldwide bodies not connected in any way" with Hamas and Israel.
International organization official the international body's communicator said on Monday that the GHF's shutdown would have "no influence" on its activities "because we never worked with them".
The spokesperson additionally stated that while more aid was getting into Gaza since the truce was implemented on early October, it was "inadequate to satisfy all requirements" of the over two million inhabitants.