GHF Halts Women’s Food Distribution Amid Threats from Hamas

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) suspended its operations at women’s food distribution sites due to what has been described as a credible terrorist threat from Hamas. This decision was made public on Thursday.

According to a GHF spokesman, the organization had managed to assist around 4,000 of approximately 5,500 Palestinian women before the situation became alarming. Initially, it appeared that a small number of men were investigating the GHF site, but that quickly escalated, leading to concerns about a larger group.

“We received real-time information from trusted local sources that Hamas intended to rush the site,” the spokesman stated. Furthermore, it was reported that Hamas operatives were planning to infiltrate the women-only distribution disguised as women.

Consequently, GHF decided to cease women-only distributions across all sites. The spokesman expressed regret about the decision, saying it was not one taken lightly and was instead forced by the circumstances created by Hamas.

Faye, another spokesperson for GHF, accused Hamas of spreading misinformation and indicated uncertainty about whether this signals a planned attack on the distribution site.

“People are understandably scared,” he remarked, acknowledging the tense atmosphere. “They’re wondering why feeding the vulnerable is now deemed a threat.” Previously, GHF had faced violence, with two staff members attacked last July.

Since the Israeli Defense Forces intensified their operations in Gaza, GHF reported a 15% to 20% increase in demand at their site. Faye noted that many new visitors were unaccustomed to the distribution process, leading to confusion rather than violence.

GHF urged international organizations and the United Nations to consider support. According to the United Nations Project Services, since May 19, a significant number of aid trucks—5,511—have been intercepted, with only 938 arriving at their intended destinations.

Since launching its operations, GHF has delivered over 161 million meals, highlighting the organization’s substantial impact in the region despite ongoing challenges.