U.S. Approves $30 Million in Funding for Gaza Humanitarian Foundation
Washington, The Gulf Observer: The U.S. State Department has approved $30 million in funding for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), marking the first direct financial contribution by the U.S. government to the organization, which has played a growing role in delivering aid to war-ravaged Gaza. The announcement was made on Thursday and has drawn both support and criticism amid ongoing scrutiny of the foundation’s operations.
“This support is simply the latest iteration of President Trump’s and Secretary Rubio’s pursuit of peace in the region,” said State Department Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott during a regular press briefing, according to media reports.
The decision, first reported by Reuters earlier this week, comes as Gaza continues to face a humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by a prolonged military campaign that has displaced most of the enclave’s two million residents. Since Israel lifted an 11-week blockade on May 19, allowing limited United Nations deliveries to resume, more than 400 Palestinians have reportedly been killed while seeking aid, according to the UN.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, led by Johnnie Moore, an evangelical pastor and former White House adviser during the Trump administration, has claimed to have delivered over 46 million meals since initiating operations in May. The organization operates with the support of private for-profit U.S. military and logistics firms, distributing aid at what it describes as secure sites within Gaza.
Despite assurances from GHF that no incidents have occurred at its sites, the foundation temporarily suspended operations earlier this month, demanding improved security measures after dozens of Palestinians were killed near distribution points. The move was seen as a response to increasing pressure on Israeli authorities to ensure civilian safety during aid efforts.
The State Department’s funding decision has not been without internal debate. Several U.S. officials reportedly voiced concerns about the foundation’s lack of experience, involvement of private military contractors, and ongoing violence near aid distribution zones. Sources told Reuters that the department waived the usual audit requirements that apply to first-time recipients of USAID grants, raising questions about transparency and oversight, as the foundation has not publicly disclosed its finances.
Two sources familiar with the matter said the United States may consider approving additional monthly grants of $30 million, depending on operational outcomes and political developments.
The funding approval reflects Washington’s shifting approach to humanitarian engagement in Gaza, balancing geopolitical priorities, operational constraints, and mounting international pressure to address the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the enclave.
While supporters view the funding as a necessary step to deliver life-saving aid, critics argue it underscores the risks of outsourcing critical humanitarian efforts to private, profit-driven actors operating in a highly volatile environment.
