US greenlights $30M for controversial Gaza aid group

The US State Department announced Thursday it will provide USD 30 million in funding to a newly established food distribution network in Gaza.

The initiative, known as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), has been promoted by 'Israel' and is largely operated by American contractors, but has drawn sharp criticism from humanitarian groups and the UN.

At a press briefing, State Department spokesman Thomas Pigott praised the group, calling it “absolutely incredible and should be commended and supported.” He urged other countries to contribute financially to the foundation, despite objections raised by numerous aid organizations over its methods and the violence reported around its distribution points.

The GHF began distributing food in southern Gaza late last month, establishing only a limited number of sites. Most are located near 'Israeli' military positions, a fact that aid groups say creates dangerous conditions for civilians seeking food and undermines humanitarian neutrality.

Pigott declined to say whether the US funding had already been disbursed or if the foundation would expand to serve more of Gaza’s population. However, he emphasized that the new system aligned with “President Trump’s call to deliver aid in a way where it can’t be looted by Hamas,” and described the foundation’s model as one of “creative solutions.”

Violence has been a constant near these distribution sites, with hundreds reportedly killed in the past month as desperate civilians have crowded around aid convoys. Witnesses say Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) have opened fire near the centers, though the IOF claims it only fired warning shots when soldiers felt threatened. The Gaza health ministry has attributed many deaths to these incidents.

The GHF has denied responsibility, suggesting that some reports were misattributed or fueled by “Hamas propaganda.” It has also accused Hamas of threatening aid workers and spreading misinformation.

Meanwhile, international human rights groups remain skeptical. In a joint statement released Tuesday, 15 organizations criticized the foundation’s “militarized model” and close cooperation with 'Israeli' authorities, saying it violates the humanitarian principles of impartiality, neutrality, and independence.

Despite these concerns, John Acree, the foundation’s interim executive director, welcomed the US pledge. “Americans deeply care about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and want to see real action,” he said. “Now is the time for unity and collaboration.”

However, many say the new initiative falls far short of meeting the enormous humanitarian need in Gaza. Nearly two million Palestinians live in the enclave, where 'Israel’s' blockade, imposed after the aggression began in October 2023, drastically reduced the flow of food and medicine. From March to May, aid was almost entirely cut off.

While 'Israel' insists Hamas has looted aid, the UN disputes that it happens systematically and argues that the real issue is the obstruction of supply lines. The UN warned Thursday that most families in Gaza are surviving on a single meager meal a day, with adults regularly skipping food so children and the elderly can eat.

Even as other organizations resume work, including World Central Kitchen (WCK), which restarted operations after a May suspension, the UN says aid access is still woefully inadequate.

“Families in Gaza are risking their lives to access food, with nearly daily mass casualties reported,” the agency said in its latest update.