UN Experts Slam Israeli-Backed Gaza Aid Body as Tool for War Crimes, Call for Action

In a scathing statement issued this week, a group of United Nations human rights experts* voiced deep alarm over the establishment and conduct of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), denouncing it as a “disturbing example” of how humanitarian aid is being co-opted for military and geopolitical purposes in violation of international law. The experts condemned the operations of GHF, which was established by Israel in February 2025 with the support of the United States, as a cover for continued violations of Palestinian rights amidst one of the most devastating humanitarian crises in recent history.

Humanitarian Cover for Military Objectives

According to the experts, GHF is not a neutral relief entity, but a construct of the Israeli government—allegedly entangled with Israeli intelligence services and U.S. military contractors. Its stated aim of providing aid to Palestinians in Gaza is contradicted by its function: taking over responsibilities formerly managed by UN agencies, most notably the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

“This is not humanitarianism. It’s humanitarian camouflage,” said the experts. “Calling this entity ‘humanitarian’ is a grotesque distortion of the term and undermines the entire foundation of humanitarian principles rooted in neutrality, independence, impartiality, and humanity.”

The GHF’s rise came after political pressure mounted on UNRWA, including funding suspensions, accusations of bias, and restrictions imposed by Israel on its operations. Many analysts view GHF’s creation as part of a broader strategy to dismantle international oversight and replace impartial humanitarian aid with politicized, state-controlled alternatives.

Mounting Civilian Casualties at GHF Sites

Since GHF began operations in late May 2025, it has presided over an alarming number of deaths and injuries among civilians seeking aid. Reports indicate that 859 people have been killed and more than 4,000 injured in or near GHF “distribution sites” – facilities purportedly meant to deliver food and essential supplies.

The experts assert that Israeli military forces and private contractors have repeatedly fired on civilians at these locations, describing the attacks as “indiscriminate” and “in clear violation of international humanitarian law.” Vulnerable groups, such as women, children, older persons, and persons with disabilities, are especially unable to access these locations safely.

According to the experts, nearly 1,400 people have been killed while attempting to obtain food since the GHF took over aid distribution responsibilities. “When war crimes are overlooked in exchange for temporary relief, impunity becomes normalized,” they said. “Leaving a State accused of genocide in charge of feeding the victims of that genocide is a mockery of justice and morality.”

Starvation and Genocide: The Broader Context

The situation in Gaza has reached catastrophic proportions. The Ministry of Health in Gaza reports that over 60,000 people have died since the war began in October 2023, and more than 90% of the population has been forcibly displaced. Just in recent weeks, 180 people—including 93 children—have died due to malnutrition, as Israel continues to block or delay humanitarian aid.

“Seeing children die of hunger in their parents’ arms should shake us out of complacency,” the experts said. “This is not just inhumane—it is a war crime, especially when starvation is used as a tool of war.”

International Law and Responsibility

Under international humanitarian law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention and the Hague Regulations, Israel as an occupying power has a legal obligation to ensure the welfare of the occupied population. Aid must be provided in a manner that is impartial and must never be manipulated for military gain or political leverage.

The experts further cited the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which found the Israeli occupation to be unlawful, ordered an immediate withdrawal of troops, the dismantling of settlements, and the cessation of resource exploitation and racial segregation policies.

“Securing access to food, water, medicine and services is not a matter of charity—it is a legal duty,” the experts emphasized. “Israel must comply with the ICJ ruling, and UN Member States have a responsibility to ensure enforcement.”

A Call for Dismantling GHF and Restoring Credibility

The experts demanded the complete dismantling of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, accountability for those running it, and the reinstatement of experienced humanitarian actors like UN agencies and civil society organizations.

“Without clear accountability, the very idea of humanitarian relief may become a casualty of modern hybrid warfare,” they warned.

In addition to their institutional criticisms, the experts urged Member States to take concrete punitive measures:

• Impose a full arms embargo on Israel

• Suspend trade and investment agreements that may support violations of international law

• Hold corporate entities accountable that are complicit in harm to Palestinians

Restoring Humanitarian Norms

The experts’ statement reflects growing frustration within the UN system and civil society over the weaponization of humanitarian aid. As Gaza descends further into crisis, the urgent need to restore genuine, principled humanitarian action becomes ever more pressing.

The experts concluded with a reminder: true humanitarianism cannot exist in the absence of justice, law, and accountability.