In a significant move on Tuesday, the United Nations demanded the dismantling of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an aid entity backed by Israel and the US. The call for disbandment comes after alarming reports citing the misuse of aid distribution centers in Gaza for military objectives and the occurrence of war crimes, including indiscriminate attacks on civilians seeking assistance.

According to UN experts, nearly 1,400 individuals have lost their lives and over 4,000 have been injured in incidents connected to aid procurement since the GHF began its operations in late May 2025. Shockingly, 859 of these deaths occurred around GHF-managed sites. The experts have highlighted the GHF's role in exacerbating the crisis, accusing it of leveraging humanitarian needs to advance military agendas, and intertwining Israeli intelligence and US contractors with dubious non-governmental operations.

The controversy surrounding the GHF extends to its very foundation in May 2025, intended to facilitate aid distribution within the Gaza Strip. The UN has criticized the foundation for impeding the efforts of established humanitarian agencies like the Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). These agencies have faced severe restrictions due to Israeli blockades, purportedly aimed at preventing aid from reaching Hamas, but resulting in widespread civilian casualties and suffering.

As the situation deteriorates, UN experts have not only called for the GHF’s disbandment but also urged for the prosecution of its executives. They advocate for the resumption of aid distribution by experienced and impartial humanitarian actors and have pressed the international community to consider a full arms embargo on Israel and suspending trade agreements detrimental to the Palestinian populace.

Adding to the urgency, the UN has flagged an alarming rise in malnutrition rates in Gaza, with one out of every five children suffering from inadequate nutrition. The Special Rapporteur on torture has condemned the use of starvation as a weapon, describing it as "lethal, inhumane, and degrading."

Israel, recognized as the occupying power, must adhere to strict international legal standards, including obligations under the Geneva and Hague Conventions, which mandate the protection of civilians and assure them access to essential services and humanitarian aid during conflicts.

The ongoing crisis in Gaza remains a focal point of international concern, with these latest developments prompting calls for immediate action to safeguard civilian lives and uphold international law.