Israeli-Backed Group Requests $30 Million from US for Gaza Aid Distribution Amid Humanitarian Crisis

A US-led coalition has requested $30 million from the Trump administration to continue its aid efforts in Gaza. This initiative, supported by Israel, is under scrutiny. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which leads this effort, has been providing meals to Palestinians in southern Gaza since May. The blockade and military actions by Israel have pushed the region towards famine.

Funding and Controversy

The foundation's funding request was submitted to the US Agency for International Development (USAID). According to anonymous US officials, the application is being processed quickly, possibly as one of USAID's final actions before merging with the State Department. Two officials indicated that the administration plans to approve the funding with minimal review.

Major humanitarian organisations have criticised the foundation for allegedly aligning with Israeli objectives in its conflict with Hamas. They argue that this cooperation violates humanitarian principles. The foundation's operations have led to frequent fatal shootings of Palestinians attempting to access aid distribution sites.

Operational Challenges

Since the foundation began its work, hundreds of Palestinians have been killed or injured while trying to reach aid locations, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Witnesses report that Israeli troops often fire at crowds to control them. However, the Israeli military denies targeting civilians, stating it only fired warning shots or targeted "suspects" who ignored warnings.

Israel views the foundation as central to a new aid system designed to reduce UN influence, which it claims has been compromised by Hamas. The foundation's fixed sites align with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's strategy to concentrate Gaza's population in the south, allowing Israel to combat Hamas elsewhere.

Concerns Over Aid Distribution

Aid workers worry this strategy could lead to forced migrations of Palestinians from Gaza, disguised as voluntary departures. Human rights groups argue such actions would be coercive. The UN and other nonprofits accuse the foundation of lacking transparency and experience in humanitarian work, failing to adhere to neutrality and independence principles.

The funding source for this new operation remains unclear. No donor has publicly acknowledged support. The State Department recently stated that the US is not financing it. Documents show the foundation received nearly $119 million from unspecified government donors for May operations and expects $38 million more for June, alongside the requested $30 million from the US.

Future Prospects

The foundation's secretary, Loik Henderson, expressed gratitude for potential collaboration with the US in a letter accompanying their application. Neither Henderson nor the State Department responded to requests for comment on Saturday. The application reveals no private or philanthropic funding sources.

With inputs from PTI