Background on the Situation in Gaza
Gaza, a Palestinian territory heavily affected by war, has been facing a humanitarian crisis. The United States has long supported the Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF) diplomatically. However, recent concerns have arisen regarding the ongoing operation and the deaths of Palestinians near food distribution centers.
US Aid to GHF
The United States has pledged $30 million to the Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF) despite concerns from some US officials about the operation and civilian casualties near aid distribution sites. This marks the first known financial contribution from the US government to the organization, which utilizes private US-based military and logistics companies for aid transportation within Gaza.
Details of the Aid Allocation
- A document reviewed by Reuters shows that the $30 million grant from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to GHF was approved on Friday under a “priority directive” from the White House and State Department.
- An initial disbursement of $7 million has already been made, with potential monthly grants of $30 million pending approval.
- The State Department exempted GHF from standard audits and additional controls typically required for groups providing aid to Gaza, governed by Hamas militants backed by Iran.
Concerns Over Violence and Inexperience
Some US officials opposed funding the GHF due to worries about violence near aid distribution sites, the organization’s inexperience, and its reliance on for-profit logistics and private military companies.
- Since Israel lifted its 11-week blockade on Gaza in mid-May, allowing limited UN deliveries to resume, the United Nations reports over 400 Palestinian deaths while seeking aid from both the UN and GHF operations.
- UN official Jonathan Whittall stated that most victims were killed or injured while attempting to reach US-Israeli designated distribution points in militarized zones.
- Others died when Israeli forces fired on crowds waiting for food along distribution routes, and some were killed or injured by armed groups.
GHF Response and Collaboration
In response to the challenges, GHF stated that they have delivered 40 million meals in Gaza but face difficulties distributing aid due to theft of their vehicles and warehouses. They urge UN and other humanitarian groups to collaborate and help deliver aid to those in need.
- GHF temporarily halted aid deliveries for a day to pressure Israel to enhance civilian security near their distribution centers following the deaths of numerous Palestinians seeking assistance.
- GHF maintains that no incidents have occurred at their facilities.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF)? The GHF is an organization that provides humanitarian aid in Gaza, utilizing private US-based military and logistics companies for transportation.
- Why is there controversy surrounding the US aid to GHF? Concerns exist regarding violence near distribution sites, the organization’s inexperience, and its reliance on for-profit logistics and private military companies.
- How many Palestinians have died while seeking aid in Gaza? More than 400 Palestinians have died since the resumption of limited UN deliveries following Israel’s blockade lift.
- What is the GHF’s response to the challenges faced in distributing aid? The GHF has called for collaboration with UN and other humanitarian groups to ensure aid reaches those in need.
