A controversial US- and Israeli-backed humanitarian group suspended its food aid operations in Gaza on Saturday, citing threats it blamed on Hamas, escalating tensions over the distribution of vital relief in the war-ravaged enclave.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which has operated in the territory since late May using private American security and logistics contractors, did not distribute any aid for the second day running. The organisation claimed it faced threats that “made it impossible” to safely continue work. It did not specify the nature of the threats but later announced via Facebook that two of its distribution sites would reopen on Sunday.
Hamas strongly denied the allegation. A senior official for the group said he had “no knowledge” of any such threats, while Gaza’s government media office accused the GHF of having “utterly failed on all levels.” Hamas said it was willing to support secure distribution through the long-standing United Nations-led operation instead.
In a separate statement, Hamas called on Palestinians to protect humanitarian convoys and claimed its armed wing would deploy snipers to deter looting near aid routes used by the UN. Israel and the US have long accused Hamas of diverting aid—allegations Hamas has rejected.
The GHF, which says it has distributed nearly nine million meals in Gaza, has faced growing criticism over its approach. Its “secure” sites have been described by Palestinian recipients as chaotic and dangerous. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, dozens of civilians were killed near GHF distribution zones in recent days. Israel said it is investigating incidents earlier in the week but denied responsibility for Saturday’s violence.
Meanwhile, conditions in Gaza remain dire. The UN resumed limited aid operations on May 19 after an 11-week Israeli blockade, but continues to describe incoming supplies as a “drop in the ocean.” On Saturday, Israeli strikes reportedly killed at least 55 people across the enclave, and Gaza’s Health Ministry warned hospitals were just days from running out of fuel.
Israel has transferred around 350 aid trucks through the Kerem Shalom crossing this week, mostly for the UN and other NGOs. However, the UN says it faces persistent obstacles from Israel, including denied access and looting by armed men and desperate civilians.
Tensions have grown as ceasefire talks brokered by the US, Egypt, and Qatar have stalled. In the south, Israel said its forces uncovered a Hamas command center hidden beneath the European Hospital in Khan Younis, highlighting the complexities of combat in densely populated areas.
The broader war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages in the deadliest day in Israel’s history. Since then, more than 54,000 Palestinians—mostly civilians—have been killed in Israeli operations, according to Gaza health authorities.
In a development on Saturday, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant confirmed that troops had recovered the body of Nattapong Pinta, a Thai agricultural worker abducted by militants last year. His remains were found in Rafah and held by the Mujahedeen Brigades, a smaller armed group allied with Hamas.
