The US Agency for International Development (USAID) is being pressured by top Trump administration officials to award millions of dollars in funding to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), despite concerns over the organization’s suitability for aid.
GHF has requested $30 million from USAID, which would be used to support humanitarian efforts in Gaza. However, sources claim that Jeremy Lewin, director of foreign assistance at USAID, is pushing for the approval of the request, citing “expedited” processing.
The timing of the request comes as Israeli forces have been killing scores of Palestinians at or near GHF aid sites since late last month. Just last week, Israeli tanks and drones fired on thousands of people near a distribution site, killing at least 23 people.
Critics argue that GHF’s funding would be used to bypass traditional humanitarian principles, including neutrality and independence. The organization has been sharply criticized by the UN and other international aid organizations, with some describing its current aid distribution sites as “death traps.”
GHF was established to address humanitarian needs in Gaza, but its funding has remained murky. Despite claiming to be an independent nonprofit, it has received significant support from the US and Israeli governments.
The Trump administration’s slashing of thousands of USAID awards and jobs has further raised concerns about the agency’s ability to effectively oversee aid distribution.
In a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and USAID acting administrator Kenneth Jackson, Senator Elizabeth Warren demanded answers on whether USAID was considering awarding funds to GHF and the terms of any possible agreement.
Source: https://zeteo.com/p/scoop-usaid-being-forced-to-award