UN Describes U.S. Food Distribution in Gaza as “Heartbreaking”

• UN criticizes uncontrolled distribution of food in Gaza
• Guterres: “Heartbreaking images”
• GHF operates without international approval

According to the EFE news agency, UN Secretary-General António Guterres described on Tuesday as “heartbreaking” the images of food distribution in Gaza led by the Humanitarian Foundation for Gaza (GHF), an entity created by the United States without United Nations authorization.

The distribution, carried out in an area severely affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis, triggered scenes of chaos that alarmed the international community.

According to testimonies and images shared on social media, hundreds of desperate people stormed the distribution point, jumping fences and entering uncontrollably.

Guterres, through his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, expressed deep concern over the incident, stressing that the UN is not involved in this operation and cannot independently verify what occurred.

Dujarric denounces distribution without humanitarian guarantees

Hundreds of people jump fences and storm food distribution point in Gaza

Humanitarian aid is beginning to trickle into Gaza. The distribution, organized by the controversial GHF foundation and funded by the United States, turned into chaos when a crowd of… pic.twitter.com/ctesidlzo1

— DW Español (@dw_espanol) May 27, 2025

“The images are heartbreaking, to say the least,” said Dujarric on behalf of the Secretary-General.

The GHF foundation explained in a statement that at one point in the afternoon, the crowd size became so large that their team decided to withdraw. A small group of Gazans was allowed to take the aid on their own to avoid greater risks.

The UN, however, criticized the operation for failing to meet the minimum humanitarian standards that guide the work of its agencies in conflict zones.

Dujarric reiterated that the distribution of aid must adhere to principles of independence, impartiality, and safety—conditions that, in his view, were not met during this intervention.

U.S. foundation GHF under scrutiny

? Desperation for food in Gaza: thousands plead at distribution centers organized by Israel

?Noticias Cuatro at 8:00 p.m. with @DiegoLosadaTv and @MonicaSLaliena pic.twitter.com/poi41Ovzk4

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“We saw the plan they had, what they published, and what they presented to us, and it was not done in line with the parameters that respect our principles—principles that apply from Gaza to Sudan or Myanmar,” the spokesperson stated.

The U.S. foundation has been subject to criticism since its creation, especially for operating in areas where there is no ceasefire and for coordinating directly with the Israeli army.

Among the UN’s concerns are the lack of access for women and children, as well as the risk of perpetuating exclusionary dynamics or military control over aid.

Meanwhile, the GHF foundation claimed that Hamas had blocked access to the distribution points, causing delays and crowding that led to the chaos.

Humanitarian crisis in Gaza with no clear solution

However, the Hamas government categorically denied this accusation, calling it a “complete fabrication” and saying it was “appalled” by the allegations.

Amid the tensions, the Israeli army acknowledged that it fired warning shots outside the compound to disperse the crowds gathered in search of food.

The army, however, denied rumors circulating on social media about alleged helicopter gunfire against civilians.

The episode reflects the level of desperation currently unfolding in Gaza, where access to humanitarian aid is becoming increasingly restricted and politicized.