New U.S.-backed Gaza aid foundation aims to complement UN efforts

The newly established Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), backed by the United States, clarified on Wednesday that it does not intend to replace the United Nations or traditional aid organizations in Gaza, but rather to support and complement their work amid a deteriorating humanitarian crisis.

In a statement, the Geneva-registered foundation emphasized that its efforts “will complement, not replace, the work of the UN and traditional aid organizations.” GHF plans to begin distributing aid within days, as part of a large-scale relief effort.

GHF announced a goal of delivering nearly 300 million meals over an initial 90-day period. 

To ensure safe and effective delivery, the foundation will rely on private security firms to transport supplies from border crossings to secure distribution sites inside Gaza.

Once in Gaza, aid will be distributed directly to civilians by humanitarian teams, the statement said. Notably, GHF specified that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will have no presence near distribution areas, aiming to reduce tensions and ensure neutrality on the ground.

“This new model also protects humanitarian workers, who have too often been caught in the crossfire,” the foundation stated. “It allows aid groups to operate without fear that their assistance will be stolen or misused.”

Four secure distribution centers are set to open initially — three in southern Gaza and one in the central region, with plans to expand into northern Gaza by next month.

GHF’s creation comes amid growing concerns over the security, access, and integrity of existing aid channels in Gaza. Israel and the United States have accused Hamas of diverting humanitarian aid, previously delivered through UN agencies and international NGOs, to support its operations. 

The controversy surrounding UNRWA, the UN’s main agency in Gaza, has intensified after some of its staff were alleged to have participated in the October 7 attacks.

GHF claims its structure is designed to restore logistical access and control, which many aid groups have lost due to the ongoing conflict. The foundation also stated that other humanitarian organizations will be able to use GHF’s secure delivery systems to distribute their own aid, offering a new framework for cooperation and operational continuity.

“The success of the GHF plan depends on close partnership and collaboration with the UN and traditional aid groups,” the foundation said, framing its role as supportive rather than competitive.

A Pragmatic Alternative Amid a Humanitarian Crisis

While GHF’s emergence reflects the urgent need for a reliable aid mechanism in Gaza, it also underscores a shift toward alternative, non-UN-led humanitarian models that prioritize efficiency, neutrality, and security. 

Its approach has been described by some observers as more credible and effective, particularly in light of recent questions over the neutrality and reliability of certain UN agencies.

As Gaza’s civilian population continues to face critical shortages of food, water, and medical care, the success or failure of GHF’s ambitious plan will serve as a test case for new models of humanitarian delivery in conflict zones where traditional frameworks are under strain.