Gaza Humanitarian Foundation stops operations after ceasefire | BBC News

Key Concepts

• Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF): A controversial US and Israeli-backed organization distributing aid in Gaza.
• Ceasefire Deal: An agreement between Israel and Hamas that came into effect, leading to the exchange of hostages and prisoners.
• Aid Sites: Locations where humanitarian aid is distributed.
• Bullet Wounds: Injuries sustained from being shot.
• Trauma Cases: Medical cases involving severe injuries.
• IDF (Israel Defense Forces): The military force of Israel.
• Hamas: A Palestinian Islamist fundamentalist organization.
• Hostages: Individuals held captive.
• Palestinian Prisoners: Individuals held in Israeli prisons.
• Mediators: Parties involved in facilitating negotiations.
• Khan Yunis: A city in the southern Gaza Strip.

GHF Operations and Controversies

The US and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has confirmed the suspension of its operations in Gaza following the ceasefire deal. The GHF's operations have been highly controversial, with the UN reporting that nearly 1,400 people have been shot dead near GHF aid sites since May.

Case Study: Abdullah

Abdullah, a 13-year-old boy, is being treated for a double gunshot injury at NASA hospital. He alleges he was shot twice while collecting food from a GHF aid point. He described being shot while bending down to pick up flour and again while crawling away. He stated that nobody noticed him amidst the chaos of people collecting aid.

GHF's Response and Counter-Claims

The GHF, which replaced hundreds of UN aid points with only four sites since May, has admitted to firing warning shots to disperse crowds. However, they maintain these shots were directed upwards or towards the coastline, not at aid seekers. The GHF insists that no aid seeker has ever been shot or killed at their distribution centers and has called Abdullah's claims "completely false." They also stated that people do not bend down to pick up flour at their sites because it is distributed in boxes. The BBC understands that flour is often transferred from boxes into sacks for transport.

Case Study: Fathi

Fathi, a 17-year-old, was shot by the Israeli military while collecting aid for his family. His father recounts that Fathi insisted on going himself, stating he was young and capable of carrying the aid, unlike his older father. Fathi sustained a bullet wound to his pelvis, which shattered and caused extensive damage to his organs. He did not survive the subsequent operation.

Medical Observations and IDF Stance

Dr. Saladin Sawan, a British doctor volunteering in Gaza, reported that during his two-week stay at NASA hospital, children with bullet injuries constituted a quarter of his trauma caseload. All these children alleged they were collecting aid from GHF sites. The IDF stated that they prohibit deliberate attacks on civilians approaching aid sites and are examining reports of such incidents, with further action to be taken as necessary.

Current Status and Future of Aid Distribution

The GHF has informed the BBC that they are not currently operating in Gaza but hope to resume operations soon. The report highlights the remaining question of how aid will be distributed in Gaza and who will ensure its safe distribution.

Ceasefire and Hostage Situation

The report also touches upon the situation following the ceasefire. While there was initial relief with the return of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, the grim realities on the ground persist. Israel is awaiting the return of 19 deceased hostages. Hamas claims to be working in good faith to locate them, but simultaneously maintains control over areas from which Israel withdrew.

Hamas's Stance on Hostage Bodies

Israeli defense officials believe Hamas has access to more deceased hostages. Hamas has stated its commitment to the ceasefire and its willingness to return the bodies, but claims some corpses are underground in destroyed tunnels or under rubble from Israeli bombings. They cite a shortage of heavy lifting equipment as a hindrance.

Pressure on Hamas and Al Jazeera Footage

Hamas is under pressure from mediators to act on the hostage situation to avoid jeopardizing the ceasefire. Al Jazeera reportedly showed footage of Hamas gunmen guarding bulldozers in Khan Yunis, apparently searching for hostage bodies. Hamas has provided mediators with exact locations and aerial photographs.

Israeli Prime Minister's Discussions

The issue of the remaining hostage bodies was a subject of discussion for the Israeli prime minister during a meeting with his security cabinet, followed by a phone update to President Trump.

Conclusion

The situation in Gaza remains complex, with significant concerns surrounding the safety and effectiveness of aid distribution, particularly in light of the controversial operations of the GHF and the ongoing challenges related to the ceasefire and the recovery of deceased hostages. The report underscores the urgent need for safe and reliable mechanisms for aid delivery and accountability for incidents involving civilians.