U.S. Allocates $30 Million for Controversial Gaza Aid Initiative

The U.S. State Department has announced a significant $30 million funding for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation despite concerns raised by many aid groups and global bodies.

The State Department confirmed on Thursday that it has allocated $30 million to back the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an aid distribution group funded primarily by the United States and supported by Israel. The initiative has recently sparked controversy due to reports of increasing violence near its distribution points, resulting in tragic casualties.

During a news briefing, State Department spokesman Thomas Pigott praised the foundation, describing its work as “absolutely incredible” and urged other nations to provide additional support. This funding announcement marks the first public financial commitment from the U.S. towards the group, although Pigott did not clarify whether the funds had already been disbursed.

Even before the program commenced late last month, various humanitarian organizations had raised concerns about the limited number of aid distribution sites—concentrated primarily in southern Gaza. The close proximity of Israeli soldiers to these sites has raised fears of putting local residents in harm's way and of militarizing humanitarian efforts.

As large crowds gathered seeking food, incidents of deadly violence have surged near these distribution centers. The Gaza health ministry disclosed on Wednesday that hundreds have perished near these locations within the last month. Eyewitnesses have frequently reported that Israeli forces opened fire when approached by civilians, though the military maintains that shots were fired only as warnings to disperse threatening crowds.