The United States announced on Thursday that it has approved its first direct funding for a controversial relief initiative supported by Israel in the Gaza Strip. The State Department called on other countries to follow suit and contribute to the effort.
A spokesman for the department stated that the US has approved 30 million dollars to support the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. He urged other nations to back the foundation and its vital work.
Since March, Israel has blocked food and essential supplies from entering Gaza for more than two months. This blockade has raised fears of famine in a territory already devastated by extensive Israeli bombing since October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a major attack on Israel.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, established at the end of May and backed by armed US contractors operating alongside Israeli forces, has faced criticism. Witnesses report chaotic scenes, fatalities, and concerns over neutrality. The Gaza health ministry claims that nearly 550 people have been killed near aid centers since late May, while seeking limited supplies. The foundation denies these allegations.
Major aid organizations and the United Nations have refused to cooperate with the foundation, citing violations of humanitarian principles due to its coordination with military forces.
When asked about the criticisms, the spokesman praised the foundation’s achievements, highlighting the distribution of 46 million meals as a remarkable accomplishment. He emphasized that the US remains open to innovative solutions to deliver aid securely to Gaza while protecting Israel.
This financial support marks a significant shift in US policy, moving toward direct engagement in Gaza relief efforts amid ongoing tensions and humanitarian challenges.
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