The State Department confirmed on Thursday the allocation of $30 million for the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an initiative backed by Israel and primarily operated by American contractors. This funding comes amid heightened concerns regarding the safety of Gazans near the distribution points and ongoing violent incidents.
At a press briefing, State Department spokesman Thomas Pigott hailed the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation as "absolutely incredible," urging other nations to contribute to its efforts. This marks the U.S.'s first public financial support for the organization since its operations commenced last month. However, Pigott refrained from disclosing any details regarding the disbursement of funds.
Critics, including numerous humanitarian organizations and the United Nations, have expressed serious concerns over the risks associated with the aid distribution process, which mainly operates in southern Gaza. The limited number of distribution sites, coupled with the presence of Israeli soldiers, has led to fears of displacement and increased danger for those attempting to access aid.
Reports indicate that violent confrontations have frequently erupted near these distribution centers, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting hundreds of casualties over the past month. Eyewitnesses have consistently noted that Israeli forces have utilized live fire, asserting that such actions were "warning shots" aimed at deterring crowds approaching the soldiers.
The volatile atmosphere surrounding the new aid structures raises critical questions about the intersection of humanitarian assistance and militarization, as the plight of the Gazan population remains precarious.
