The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation suspended women-only food aid programs after Hamas operatives threatened and intimidated staff, jeopardizing safe spaces designed to feed thousands of women and children.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) announced Thursday that it has been forced to suspend women-only food distributions in Gaza following escalating threats and intimidation from Hamas operatives.
At a press briefing, GHF spokesperson Chapin Fay described worsening conditions as Israel’s offensive in Gaza City pushes thousands southward into the foundation’s operational zones.
Fay said attendance at secure distribution sites has surged 15–20% in recent days, straining established systems and disrupting the safe, orderly process that enabled women to access aid with dignity.
“Our Distribution Sites have been built as safe spaces for women, where they know they will be treated with respect and dignity. This trust is precious,” Fay said.
According to GHF, Hamas operatives have deliberately targeted distribution centers, spreading disinformation and attempting to infiltrate women-only aid events by disguising themselves as women. At the SDS3 site, surveillance was reported, along with rumors that the site would be shuttered — sparking fear among residents.
Though the foundation successfully served 4,000 women, the security threats forced GHF to close SDS3 early and cancel the next day’s women-only distributions.
“This is not a decision we wanted to make, but one forced by Hamas,” Fay declared. “The women of Gaza who are simply trying to feed their children are being intimidated and endangered by the very group that claims to represent them.”
Fay accused Hamas of using food as a tool of control:
“If they don’t control the food, no one should. That’s the game. And it’s the Palestinian people who will pay the price.”
GHF urged the IDF to facilitate humanitarian access and called on international partners — including the United Nations — to join in securing and distributing aid to prevent Hamas from stealing or blocking supplies.
“We remain committed to serving the people of Gaza with compassion, safety, and integrity,” Fay concluded. “But we cannot do it alone — not in the face of a coordinated campaign to destabilize relief and turn food into a weapon.”
