GHF Head Responds to Controversy Over Aid Distribution Amid Ongoing Death Toll in Gaza

Amid an escalating crisis in Gaza where hundreds have been killed, Johnnie Moore, head of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), addresses accusations regarding the dangers linked to aid distribution. While he acknowledges casualties, he contests the measurements of blame levied against GHF, in the face of mounting criticisms from UN agencies and reports of Israeli military actions.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) head, Johnnie Moore, has recently come under fire for the organization's aid operations in Gaza, where reports indicate that over 500 Palestinians have been killed while attempting to acquire aid. Speaking to the BBC World Service's Newshour, Moore did not refute the existence of these casualties near aid sites. However, he argued against the attribution of these deaths solely to GHF operations, asserting that information circulated by the UN and other international bodies was unverified and misleading.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres labeled the GHF aid approach “inherently unsafe,” emphasizing that operations that lead desperate civilians into militarized zones often culminate in tragedy. Eyewitness accounts have described harrowing incidents where Israeli forces opened fire on unarmed crowds near GHF distribution points, generating significant concern among humanitarian organizations.

Contrary to these statements, some Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers appeared to confirm allegations of orders to disperse civilians through gunfire. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned these reports as “malicious falsehoods.” The IDF maintained in a statement to the BBC that they do not endorse shooting civilians outright and pledged to enhance operational safety measures around aid zones.

Moore defended GHF's position, asserting that claims attributing all casualties to IDF actions were also unsubstantiated, revealing a frustration with what he termed disinformation surrounding the situation. He criticized previous UN operations, suggesting they frequently faced hijacking threats, a claim the UN has disputed.

Despite the dire situation, where millions in Gaza face starvation, GHF aims to provide up to 50 million meals. However, Moore acknowledged that current outcomes were lacking, indicating a need for improved collaboration with the UN and other organizations, stating, “The mission is clear. We just want to feed Gazans.”

Last week, the United States announced a $30 million contribution to GHF, the first direct funding to the organization, underscoring the urgent humanitarian needs amidst ongoing violence. Furthermore, fatalities in Gaza have surged, with estimates exceeding 56,000 since escalated attacks on October 7, 2023. Meanwhile, as journalists are restricted from entering Gaza, verifying the reality on the ground remains a significant challenge, leaving much of the narrative heavily contested.