The United States has approved $ 30 million in funds for a controversial help group operating in Gaza, despite the concerns of some US officials about mortal violence near food distribution sites.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which for a long time has had a diplomatic support from the United States, is now receiving government funds for the first time.
A document seen by Reuters shows that the financing was authorized on Friday under a “priority directive” of the White House and the State Department. Initial $ 7 million have already been disbursed.
The subsidy was issued through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Two sources said they could follow monthly payments of $ 30 million.
GHF uses private military and logistics companies.
Critics point out GHF's ​​lack of experience, its profit partners and a series of violent incidents near the aid areas.
A former high -ranking official in the United States said the group was exempt from a financial audit that “would normally take many weeks if not months.”
The State Department also resigned from the additional verification typically required for aid groups operating in Gaza controlled by Hamas, according to sources familiar with the decision.
GHF operates with Safe Reach Solutions, a logistics firm led by a former CIA officer, and UG Solutions, a private security firm that uses US armed veterans.
The White House declined to comment. The State Department did not respond to a request for comments. GHF also refused to talk about financing or controversy.
The Israel Embassy did not answer the questions about the subsidy.
Reuters previously reported that Israel had encouraged the Trump administration to provide $ 500 million to GHF.
Since Israel raised an 11 -week block on May 19, more than 400 Palestinians have been killed while trying to access food aid, according to the United Nations.
“Most of the victims have been fired or bombarded trying to communicate with American-Israeli distribution sites established on purpose in militarized areas,” said Jonathan Whittall, a UN senior official, Sunday.
“Others have been killed when Israeli forces have shot the Palestinian crowds waiting for food along the routes,” he added. “Some people have also been killed or wounded by armed gangs.”
GHF said Tuesday that he had delivered more than 40 million meals in Gaza. The group denied having experienced any looting of their help trucks.
“In a nutshell, our help is being delivered safely,” said a GHF spokesman. “Instead of discussing and throwing insults from the cost, we would welcome the UN and other humanitarian groups to join us and feed people in Gaza. We are ready to collaborate and help them get their help to people in need.”
Earlier this month, GHF suspended deliveries for a day in protest, after dozens of civilians were killed near the help lines. The group said that deaths had not occurred directly in their own sites.
The UN has long described its help efforts as hindered by Israeli military restrictions, looting and limited access through Gaza.
The authorities say that constant help flows help reduce chaos, but instability remains a constant threat.
(Reuters)
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