Calls Grow to Halt Controversial Gaza Food Aid Scheme Amid Safety Concerns

More than 170 non-governmental organizations demand the end of the U.S.- and Israeli-backed food aid scheme in Gaza, citing civilian safety concerns. Since late May, over 500 civilians have died around aid centers, reportedly due to Israeli military actions guarding these sites, medical officials report.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) employs private U.S. firms to bypass a U.N. aid system, which Israel claims misdirects resources. However, the United Nations calls the operation "inherently unsafe," arguing it breaks humanitarian impartiality rules. As of Tuesday, 171 charities signed a joint declaration in Geneva pushing for nations to urge Israel to cease the GHF program and reinstate U.N.-coordinated efforts.

"Palestinians are forced to choose between hunger or risking their lives to access food," the statement said, backed by organizations like Doctors Without Borders and Amnesty International. The GHF argues for collaboration, noting it delivered over 52 million meals in five weeks, while other groups claim looting compromised their efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)