GHF, supported by Israel and the United States, is distributing food aid in the Gaza Strip. However, experts say this aid is insufficient for long-term health.
According to the latest UN warnings, over two million Palestinians in Gaza are at risk of famine. GHF, active in the region since late May, claims to have delivered close to 91 million meals.
But a BBC Verify analysis raises serious questions about the contents of GHF’s food boxes.
What’s in the aid boxes
According to GHF's official list, the food boxes typically contain:
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Wheat flour
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Pasta
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Lentils, chickpeas, fava beans, and other legumes
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Vegetable oil
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Salt (iodized)
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Tahini (sesame paste)
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Halva bars (ready to eat)
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Occasionally: tea, biscuits, chocolate, potatoes, and onions
GHF says each box contains approximately 42,500 kilocalories and can feed a household of 5.5 people for 3.5 days.
Expert criticism
Professor Stuart Gordon from the London School of Economics noted that the package is designed to prevent mass starvation, but not to maintain health over time.
"This keeps people from starving, but it does not provide necessary vitamins and minerals. Over time, this kind of diet leads to iron deficiency, anemia, and other health problems."
Professor Andrew Seal from University College London (UCL) added that the boxes lack key nutrients such as calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamins C, D, B12, and K.
"These foods are not suitable for children. Even if distributed widely, consuming them over an extended period poses a serious health risk."
Practical difficulties
Even when people receive the food packages, they often lack the water and fuel needed to cook the contents. The UN’s OCHA agency warns:
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Water scarcity is severe
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Official fuel deliveries have stopped
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Black market prices have risen by 4,000% since before the war
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People are forced to burn waste for cooking
UN: 90,000 women and children at immediate risk
UN Secretary-General António Guterres says shortages of basic supplies, water, medicine, and food are worsening in Gaza. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), one in three people is going without food for days, and 90,000 women and children urgently need nutrition.
