On June 26, 2025, the U.S. State Department announced a $30 million funding initiative for a new aid distribution system in Gaza, which has faced criticism from several humanitarian organizations for its potential dangers.
U.S. Allocates $30 Million to Controversial Gaza Aid Initiative
U.S. Allocates $30 Million to Controversial Gaza Aid Initiative
New funding for the Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has raised concerns among humanitarian organizations and the United Nations over safety and efficacy.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which is significantly backed by Israel and predominantly operated by American contractors, has begun its operations despite severe warnings from humanitarian groups regarding the safety of its distribution sites. These sites, primarily located in southern Gaza, have been surrounded by military presence, raising fears among aid organizations that this militarization jeopardizes the safety of residents seeking assistance.
Thomas Pigott, a spokesperson from the State Department, expressed strong support for the foundation during a news briefing, commending its efforts and urging international partners to contribute further. This announcement marks a pivotal moment as it is believed to be the first public acknowledgment of U.S. financial backing for the controversial initiative.
Since the beginning of the distribution operations last month, concerns have been mounting over the interactions between aid seekers and Israeli soldiers stationed near the food distribution centers. Reports of deadly violence at these locations have escalated, with hundreds of fatalities noted by the Gaza health ministry over the past month as thousands of residents flocked to these centers in desperation for food assistance.
Witnesses consistently report that Israeli military forces have responded with gunfire, claiming they fired "warning shots" when individuals approached soldiers in a threatening manner. This ongoing situation presents a chaotic and dangerous environment for both aid workers and the local population, raising serious ethical questions surrounding the implementation and operation of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's distribution network.
Thomas Pigott, a spokesperson from the State Department, expressed strong support for the foundation during a news briefing, commending its efforts and urging international partners to contribute further. This announcement marks a pivotal moment as it is believed to be the first public acknowledgment of U.S. financial backing for the controversial initiative.
Since the beginning of the distribution operations last month, concerns have been mounting over the interactions between aid seekers and Israeli soldiers stationed near the food distribution centers. Reports of deadly violence at these locations have escalated, with hundreds of fatalities noted by the Gaza health ministry over the past month as thousands of residents flocked to these centers in desperation for food assistance.
Witnesses consistently report that Israeli military forces have responded with gunfire, claiming they fired "warning shots" when individuals approached soldiers in a threatening manner. This ongoing situation presents a chaotic and dangerous environment for both aid workers and the local population, raising serious ethical questions surrounding the implementation and operation of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's distribution network.
