The controversial, US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) says it is winding down its aid operations in the Palestinian territory, after almost six months.
The organisation had already suspended its three food distribution sites in Gaza after the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel took effect six weeks ago.
The GHF aimed to bypass the UN as the main supplier of aid to Gaza's population. UN and other aid agencies refused to co-operate with its system, saying it was unethical and unsafe.
Hundreds of Palestinians were killed while seeking food amid chaotic scenes near GHF's sites, mostly by Israeli fire, according to the UN. Israel said its troops fired warning shots.
The GHF said on Monday that it was winding down operations now because of the 'successful completion of its emergency mission', with a total of three million packages containing the equivalent of more than 187 million meals delivered to Palestinians.
The GHF's executive director, Jon Acree, also said the US-led Civil-Military Coordination Centre (CMCC) would be 'adopting and expanding the model GHF piloted'.
US state department spokesperson Tommy Piggott wrote on X: 'GHF's model, in which Hamas could no longer loot and profit from stealing aid, played a huge role in getting Hamas to the table and achieving a ceasefire.'
Hamas welcomed the closure of the GHF. A Hamas spokesman said GHF should be held accountable for the harm it caused to Palestinians, calling for international human rights organizations to ensure accountability.
The GHF began operations in Gaza on 26 May, after Israel eased a blockade on aid and commercial deliveries that had lasted 11 weeks. Shortly thereafter, famine was declared in Gaza City.
The GHF's food distribution sites were operated by US private security contractors and located inside Israeli military zones, which raised concerns about safety and humanitarian principles.
The UN's human rights office documented 859 Palestinian deaths seeking food near GHF sites during operations, with the majority of fatalities attributed to Israeli military actions.
The GHF's future had been uncertain after Hamas and Israel agreed to a ceasefire to implement Trump's peace plan. The organization had suggested it would distribute aid 'without interference' from both parties, but remained mired in controversy.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated that the GHF's shutdown would have 'no impact' on UN operations, reiterating that aid to Gaza remains insufficient to meet the needs of its population.
