The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has officially announced the conclusion of its emergency aid mission in the Gaza Strip, marking the end of a significant humanitarian operation that began earlier this year.
Mission Accomplished Amid Changing Conditions
John Acree, the foundation's executive director, explained that the creation of the U.S.-led Civil-Military Coordination Center under the Trump administration's 20-point Israel-Hamas ceasefire plan has reduced the necessity for GHF's continued presence. The foundation was established in February 2025 and operated for approximately four and a half months before making the decision to wrap up its emergency operations.
"GHF's goal was to meet an urgent need, prove that a new approach could succeed where others had failed and ultimately hand off that success to the broader international community," Acree stated during Monday's announcement. "GHF believes that moment has now arrived."
Remarkable Success in Challenging Environment
The foundation reported extraordinary achievements during its brief existence, claiming distribution of 187 million meals to Gazans at a time when nearly 90 percent of aid from more established organizations, including United Nations agencies, was being diverted by Hamas or looted by other groups.
Perhaps most impressively, GHF officials emphasized that not a single GHF aid truck was looted throughout their entire operation, demonstrating the effectiveness of their distribution model in the challenging Gaza environment.
Controversies and Challenges Faced
Despite its operational successes, the foundation encountered significant challenges and criticism during its mission. Questions were raised about the organization's independence and the extent of support it received from U.S. and Israeli governments.
The humanitarian operation also faced tragic security incidents, including Hamas's killing of GHF's local staff and reports of mass shootings at or near GHF distribution sites. Israeli authorities have denied claims that they were responsible for firing on Gazans seeking aid at GHF distribution centers.
The U.S. State Department publicly acknowledged GHF's contributions on Monday, with deputy spokesman Tommy Pigott noting that "GHF's model, in which Hamas could no longer loot and profit from stealing aid, played a huge role in getting Hamas to the table and achieving a ceasefire."
Legacy and Future Preparedness
Acree expressed hope that the foundation's aid distribution model could serve as a blueprint for future humanitarian operations in Gaza and other conflict zones worldwide. "I am hopeful the Civil-Military Coordination Center and the international community writ large will learn from our success, understand the process we implemented and replicate it throughout Gaza," he said.
While formally ending its current emergency mission, the organization will maintain its operational readiness. The group confirmed it will maintain readiness to reconstitute if new humanitarian needs are identified and will not dissolve as a registered non-governmental organization.
The foundation's departure marks a transitional phase in Gaza aid delivery, with international coordination mechanisms now taking primary responsibility for humanitarian assistance in the region.
