Misrepresentation of the Sphere Handbook by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation

The Sphere Association unequivocally disassociates itself from a recent public letter addressed to the UN Secretary-General António Guterres by Rev. Johnnie Moore, Executive Chairman of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), in which GHF claims to be “delivering food that aligns with the guidelines set forth in the Sphere Handbook directly to Palestinian families.” 

The Sphere Handbook is a globally recognised framework for principled, accountable, and coordinated humanitarian response. Its Minimum Standards are grounded in the Humanitarian Charter, Protection Principles, and the Core Humanitarian Standard. These principles require that humanitarian assistance be delivered in ways that protect people’s dignity, uphold their rights, and are based solely on need, free from discrimination, political influence, or other non-humanitarian considerations. 

Sphere firmly rejects any misrepresentation or selective citation of the Handbook to legitimise activities that appear to fall outside recognised humanitarian principles, coordination mechanisms and that lack transparency around participation, accountability, and community engagement. 

Based on currently available assessments and public information, GHF’s approach does not demonstrate adherence to the humanitarian principles and technical standards that underpin the Sphere Handbook. We are particularly concerned by indications that vulnerable populations are not effectively prioritised and that aid is being delivered in ways that expose people to extreme risk, severely compromise dignity, and fail to uphold the principle of impartiality. 

The Sphere Handbook is not an endorsement tool. It represents a shared commitment to principled humanitarian action and to ensuring the minimum conditions for life with dignity. In situations where people have tragically lost their lives while seeking assistance, it is essential that references to the Handbook be accurate, responsible, and firmly grounded in the realities of coordinated and accountable humanitarian response. 

Sphere remains committed to supporting organisations that apply the Handbook in good faith, in alignment with the Humanitarian Charter, humanitarian principles, and in coordination with the wider humanitarian system. 

Alper Küçük
President, Sphere Association

Media contact:
Zunaira Shams|zunaira.shams@spherestandards.org