Credited from: REUTERS
The recent approval of $30 million from the US government for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has ignited intense global criticism due to the foundation's controversial role in aid distribution amid escalating violence in Gaza. Humanitarian organizations have labeled GHF's aid sites as "death traps," where nearly 550 Palestinians have been killed while trying to access food since the sites began operations on May 27, according to Gaza's Health Ministry and various reports, including those from HuffPost, Le Monde, and AA.
Amid widespread reports, Israeli soldiers have reportedly received direct orders to shoot at unarmed Palestinians seeking aid. Multiple sources, including the Israeli daily Haaretz, reveal firsthand accounts from soldiers claiming that civilians are targeted during attempts to approach aid distribution points, with one soldier stating it feels like a "killing field." This driven behavior aligns with the military's operational framework to use lethal force against perceived threats, even when none are present, according to reports from TRT Global and Middle East Eye.
Highlighting the dire situation, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the GHF's operation as "inherently unsafe," emphasizing the necessity for ensuring safety in humanitarian efforts. Guterres noted that "people are being killed simply trying to feed themselves" which underscores the human rights concerns surrounding the ongoing military presence in Gaza. This statement corroborates information from several UN sources condemning the operational model of GHF as an exacerbation of the humanitarian crisis, reflected in articles from South China Morning Post and Reuters.
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib condemned the funding and voiced concerns, stating via social media that the US is funding a "death trap." Her statements reflect a growing disillusionment among US lawmakers regarding the administration's support for funding GHF amid ongoing violence, echoing sentiments expressed in AA and CBS News.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation asserts it has distributed over 46 million meals but continues to face backlash from major international aid organizations that refuse to collaborate due to concerns regarding the integrity and safety of its operations. Critics have attacked the GHF for quoting low accountability and transparency standards, as highlighted by reports from BBC and Al Jazeera.