Composition of the GHF food aid box
Based on a benchmark list provided by the GHF, a typical food aid box contains a selection of mostly dried, calorie-dense items. While the exact contents may vary slightly, the list offers a clear picture of the staples included. According to the data, a box is intended to provide food for 5.5 people for 3.5 days and contains approximately 42,500 calories.
Key items found in the box
- Wheat flour: A substantial quantity, often reported as 10 kg, is included for making bread, a staple food in the region.
- Dried legumes: Red lentils (2 kg), fava beans (1 kg), and uncooked chickpeas (1 kg) are provided, offering protein and fiber.
- Pasta: A 1 kg package of pasta is included, another calorie-rich dry staple.
- Cooking essentials: Vegetable oil (1L) and iodized salt (1 kg) are necessary for preparing meals.
- Ready-to-eat items: Some boxes contain halva bars, a snack made from sesame paste and sugar, providing instant energy.
Nutritional adequacy and logistical challenges
While the GHF has stated that its aid boxes contain sufficient calories, humanitarian experts and aid recipients have raised significant concerns regarding both nutritional value and practicality. A critical issue is the reliance on dried goods in a region where clean water and fuel are extremely limited. Cooking a meal from scratch is a luxury many families cannot afford, rendering much of the contents difficult to use.
Criticisms from humanitarian experts
Experts and UN officials have voiced strong criticism of the GHF's approach. These concerns go beyond the box's contents and touch upon the very principles of humanitarian aid.
- Politicization of aid: Critics argue that by bypassing established international agencies like the UN, the GHF's operation risks politicizing humanitarian assistance.
- Distribution method: The centralized distribution sites, often located in high-risk areas, have been described as dangerous and humiliating for recipients. UN and aid groups have refused to cooperate due to these concerns.
- Inadequate support: The aid is limited to food and lacks crucial supplementary items such as bottled water, cooking fuel, blankets, baby food, and medical supplies.
Comparison of GHF and UNRWA aid provisions
This table highlights the differences between the aid provided by the GHF and the more comprehensive provisions typically offered by agencies like UNRWA prior to the conflict-related restrictions.
| Feature | GHF Aid Box (Reported) | UNRWA Provisions (Prior to restrictions) | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Contents | Dried staples (flour, lentils, pasta), some ready-to-eat items | Cereals, flour, lentils, powdered milk, infant formula, fresh produce, protein-rich food | UNRWA’s approach provides a more balanced and complete nutritional profile, including provisions for infants and young children. |
| Cooking Requirements | Requires significant water and fuel for preparation | Included a wider range of items, including ready-to-eat options and sometimes cooking resources | GHF’s reliance on dry goods is a significant challenge given Gaza's lack of infrastructure. |
| Caloric Value (Daily) | Initially calculated at 1,750 kcal per person per day, later updated to 2,500 kcal by GHF. | Adheres to international standards, with the WFP standard at 2,100 kcal. | GHF's initial caloric estimates were below the internationally recognized standard for emergency situations. |
| Nutritional Variety | Criticized for lacking vital micronutrients like calcium, zinc, and iron. | More comprehensive, including supplements and fresh food when possible. | GHF boxes risk leading to micronutrient deficiencies and related illnesses. |
| Logistical Model | Few centralized, heavily-secured distribution sites, sometimes with armed private contractors. | Numerous, smaller, community-based distribution points across the territory. | GHF’s model is heavily criticized for its dangerous and degrading nature. |
Concerns and controversies surrounding the GHF's program
Beyond the contents, the entire aid distribution model implemented by the GHF has sparked considerable controversy. The use of militarized distribution sites has led to casualties, and the overall approach is seen by many NGOs as a politicized distraction from what is truly needed. The distribution process itself has been described as a dangerous scramble, further dehumanizing those in desperate need of assistance. The program also fails to address critical non-food needs, leaving families without shelter, hygiene kits, and medical care. A joint declaration signed by 171 NGOs, including Save the Children and Oxfam, has called for the GHF's distribution scheme to be dismantled, citing the severe risks it poses to civilians.
Conclusion
The contents of the GHF food aid box primarily consist of dried staple goods like flour, legumes, and pasta, supplemented by some ready-to-eat items such as halva bars. While the boxes provide a caloric boost, they are criticized for being nutritionally incomplete and impractical due to Gaza's severe shortages of water and cooking fuel. The broader GHF program has also come under fire from humanitarian groups for its controversial, militarized distribution methods and for failing to meet standard humanitarian principles. For the population of Gaza facing a dire starvation crisis, the GHF food boxes represent a limited and problematic response to a complex and urgent humanitarian catastrophe.
The mirage of food aid from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation | EL PAÍS English
