Gaza Humanitarian Foundation model faces criticism over privatized aid approach

During a six-month period in 2025, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) implemented a non-traditional model for food delivery in Gaza. The foundation, which received at least US$30 million from the United States government, did not disclose its full list of donors.

Unlike traditional humanitarian efforts that utilize hundreds of distribution sites, the GHF concentrated its operations at only four heavily secured locations: three in a southern military zone and one in central Gaza City. The system utilized armed private security contractors to manage operations. While the foundation reported distributing 187 million meals and claims its model is being adopted in US President Donald Trump’s Peace plan, many established aid organizations declined to participate due to concerns regarding transparency and independent oversight.

Research suggests this privatized and militarized approach poses risks to international humanitarian law. Critics argue that such models may transform humanitarian relief from a tool of civilian protection into a mechanism of control within occupied territories.