Jerusalem, July 3 (EFE).- The Hamas-run government in Gaza on Thursday announced a ban on any cooperation with the US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), accusing the organization of endangering civilians and violating human rights.
“It is strictly prohibited to engage with, work for, or provide any assistance or coverage to the American foundation or its local or foreign agents,” Gaza’s Ministry of Interior and National Security said in a statement.
The ministry warned that violators would face “the maximum penalties” under Palestinian law. Since the start of the Israeli offensive in 2023, that has effectively meant the death penalty.
Hamas accused GHF, which has overseen food distribution in the enclave since May, of operating without legal or international oversight and acting as “a death trap.”
The group claimed that over 500 people have died, more than 4,000 have been injured, and numerous others arbitrarily detained while trying to access aid from GHF.
“It has become clear that this organization was not created with the intent to provide relief or alleviate the suffering of our besieged and starving people,” the statement said.
Hamas authorities also cited the Palestinian Penal Code and Revolutionary Law, which criminalize collaboration with enemies, as the legal basis for the ban.
It warned the public against any “direct or indirect” involvement with GHF and urged Gazans to reject what it called “malicious attempts” by the GHF.
GHF became the main distributor of humanitarian aid in Gaza after Israel gradually barred the United Nations and other international agencies from delivering and managing aid operations in recent months. EFE
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