Hamas orders starving Gazans to stay away from US-linked aid deliveries
27 May 2025, 22:50 | Updated: 2 June 2025, 09:42
Hamas has ordered Palestinians to stay away from vital aid delivered by a US-backed organisation claiming it is ‘part of Israeli plot to gather intelligence.'
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The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which has ties to both the Israeli and US governments, has been approved by Israel to take over aid deliveries inside the Strip, despite strong opposition from the UN and most aid groups.
Few Palestinians were turning up at distribution centres, according to reports, despite Gaza’s population being pushed towards famine following Israel’s three-month aid blockade.
Hamas’s warnings about biometric screening procedures, a requirement before food packages are handed out, have reportedly frightened Gazans.
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The Hamas-linked Home Front published a statement which said: “Do not go to Rafah ...Do not fall into the trap...Do not risk your lives. Your homes are your fortress. Staying in your neighbourhoods is survival, and awareness is your protection.
“These schemes will be broken by the steadfastness of a people who do not know defeat.”
The GHF operation involves private security contractors securing corridors and distribution points designated by Israel, where aid groups can provide food parcels to pre-screened Gazans.
Currently four hubs are being set up, all close to Israeli military positions.
The organisation said that the aid would reach a million Palestinians – just under half Gaza’s population – by the end of the week.
Israel’s endorsement of the GHF plan – and the organisation’s closeness with the US – has reportedly raised questions over the scheme’s neutrality.
Israel has said GHF is a US-backed initiative and that its forces will not be present at the distribution “hubs”.
Officials said the new system offers the opportunity to screen recipients to exclude anyone found to be connected with Hamas.
The UN and most humanitarian groups have opposed the plan, claiming it will “weaponise” aid and argued that deliveries must be carried out by parties independent to the conflict.
“Humanitarian assistance must not be politicised or militarised,” said Christian Cardon, chief spokesman of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
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