The United States has approved $30 million in direct funding to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a controversial Israel-backed aid group operating in the besieged Gaza Strip. The move has sparked widespread criticism, with reports linking the group’s operations to hundreds of civilian deaths at aid distribution sites.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott defended the decision Thursday, urging other countries to also support GHF, calling its delivery of 46 million meals “absolutely incredible.” He said the funding was part of President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s push for “peace in the region.”

International Alarm Over Aid Site Violence

The GHF, formed in May under pressure to ease Israel’s blockade on Gaza, is reportedly coordinating its operations with Israeli troops and armed US contractors. The United Nations and international NGOs have refused to work with the group, citing violations of core humanitarian principles.

According to the Gaza Government Media Office, 549 Palestinians have been killed near GHF food aid hubs. In one recent incident, an Israeli airstrike on a crowd waiting for flour in Deir el-Balah killed 18 people. Video evidence and eyewitness accounts describe trucks running over people and victims being shot as they approached aid centers.

“It’s very unclear why these people are being targeted and killed,” said Kate Mackintosh, executive director at the UCLA Law Promise Institute Europe. “Firing upon people in that situation prima facie is a war crime.”

Legal and Ethical Challenges

Human rights advocates warn GHF personnel could face criminal liability. “If they’re aware that this is going to happen—or even that there is a substantial risk—it seems they must be held accountable,” Mackintosh added.

Despite the criticism, GHF interim director John Acree welcomed the new US funding, calling for “unity and collaboration” and urging more humanitarian groups to join their efforts. But Palestinian voices on the ground paint a darker picture.

“There was nothing but death,” said Atar Riyad, a displaced father of eight who witnessed several fatal incidents near GHF sites. “My best friend and neighbors all died trying to get food.”

Aid or Control Mechanism?

The GHF’s critics argue it serves as a mechanism to control the flow of aid under Israeli military oversight, while placing civilians in direct danger. Many Gaza residents remain skeptical or fearful of approaching aid stations.

Adding to the chaos, armed gangs have looted UN convoys, and Israel has targeted Gaza’s police—many of whom are involved in securing aid distribution—as part of its broader campaign against Hamas.