Germany, EU Condemn Gaza Aid Group Inadequate Efforts
(MENAFN) Germany sharply condemned the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s (GHF) controversial aid distribution in Gaza, labeling the relief efforts as inadequate, according to recent reports.
The American-based GHF, supported by Israel, began its operations in Gaza in late May after Israel imposed a supply blockade in March. The group’s bypassing of the United Nations and established NGOs has drawn severe criticism from Palestinians and global organizations, especially due to numerous casualties linked to its aid activities.
In a letter responding to inquiries from the opposition Green Party, Germany’s Foreign Ministry stated, "The German government believes it is now obvious that it (the aid) is not reaching the civilian population sufficiently and (GHF's new relief distribution mechanism) is not operating according to humanitarian principles."
Germany emphasized its commitment to promptly and thoroughly investigate disturbing incidents where civilians were killed while trying to distribute or receive aid, according to media.
The letter also clarified that Germany does not provide state funding to GHF and has no pending financial decisions regarding the organization.
Describing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as “unbearable,” the letter underscored the urgent need to reduce civilian suffering and improve conditions in strict compliance with humanitarian principles and international law.
On July 4, the European Union joined the condemnation, criticizing GHF-operated food distribution centers in Gaza as “untenable” and “not tolerable,” stressing that the EU is neither involved nor supporting the initiative.
“There’s the distribution centers in Gaza, and what’s happening around those distribution centers, the situation is untenable. It should not be tolerated, and the violence should cease immediately,” EU Commission spokesperson Anouar El Anouni told reporters in Brussels.
He reiterated the EU’s firm stance that humanitarian aid must never be “politicized or militarized” and must be delivered under UN coordination, adhering to core humanitarian principles.
“As the European Union, we do not finance this initiative. We are not financing this initiative, and we’re also not cooperating with it,” El Anouni added.
Since October 2023, Israeli military operations have killed over 57,000 Palestinians in Gaza, the majority women and children. The bombardment has devastated the territory, triggering severe food shortages and disease outbreaks.
In recent days, several Palestinians have lost their lives trying to access vital aid at locations linked to the American Israel-backed GHF, further fueling international outrage over the foundation’s controversial relief efforts.
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