Unfortunately, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) is at the center of a growing scandal. This civil society organization has recently received boosts from the Israeli and US governments. According to reports, these include a US Secretary of State Marco Rubio considering withdrawing $500 million in development assistance from USAID. This commitment to back the GHF has raised concerns over disaster funding among legislators and humanitarian advocates. Senator Elizabeth Warren has been one of the loudest voices calling for answers about the foundation’s operations and funding sources.
The GHF began its work under a harsh spotlight. Shortly after its inception, it was forced to temporarily close several food distribution centers due to security concerns in the region. These closures have raised alarms about the organization’s capacity to provide timely and efficient humanitarian assistance in Gaza. The territory is already contending with critical needs from decades of hostilities.
Despite backing from powerful governments, the GHF has struggled to form partnerships with major aid organizations, which may hinder its capacity to deliver aid effectively. Advocates argue that this scenario is indicative of a larger pattern. NGOs pressured to use GHF Reports have surfaced accusing Israeli and US officials of pressuring NGOs to direct their humanitarian aid under the GHF umbrella. For those who oppose this, there is the threat of being completely barred from entering Gaza.
The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) was instrumental in establishing the GHF’s operational blueprint. In the wake of the group’s meteoric and controversial rise, they have all withdrawn their affiliation with the organization. This decision is part of a larger picture about the GHF’s direction and how it can best serve as a neutral humanitarian body. Johnnie Moore is the chair of the GHF. At the same time, Jake Wood, their former executive director, resigned a few days before they started operations, which added to concerns about the stability of their leadership.
Senator Warren stepped out onto a very deep limb and made a daring challenge to Rubio. She reiterated her insistence on vigorous oversight before any taxpayer dollars are diverted to the GHF.
“The questions surrounding GHF – its funding sources and connection to the Trump Administration, its use of private contractors, its ability to serve and be seen as a neutral entity, its abandonment by its founders, and its basic competence in providing aid – must be answered before the State Department commits any funding to the organization,” – Elizabeth Warren
The GHF has come under fire for corrupting and politicizing humanitarian assistance to pay dividends to government actors. Critics are understandably alarmed that these efforts risk fomenting violations of international law. Furthermore, reports indicate that hundreds of Gazans have been killed near GHF food distribution sites, with Israeli forces reportedly opening fire into crowds multiple times.
Worry is growing over GHF. It continues to be seen whether they will be able to overcome these challenges and establish themselves as a credible and consistent conduit for humanitarian assistance in Gaza. The next decisions regarding funding and operations will have a lasting influence on their organization. They will have the most profound impact on the communities that the organization aims to serve.