US gives $30M to Gaza group amid aid delivery concerns

Reuters

The US has funded a private Gaza aid group despite safety concerns and the use of military-linked firms.

The United States has given 30 million dollars to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a private aid group operating in Gaza. This is the first known US government funding for the group, which works with private military and logistics firms to deliver food aid in what it calls secure areas.

The grant was issued through USAID under a priority directive from the White House and the State Department. It bypassed the usual financial audits and vetting required for groups providing aid in Gaza. The foundation is supported by a security firm run by a former CIA officer and another that employs US military veterans.

Some US officials have voiced concern over the group's inexperience and the deaths of civilians near its distribution sites. The UN reports more than 400 Palestinians have been killed while trying to access aid since Israel partially lifted its blockade in May.

The GHF says it has safely delivered 40 million meals and denies any security failures. It has called on the UN and other aid groups to work together instead of criticizing. The UN says distribution remains difficult due to access restrictions, militarized zones, and looting.

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