U.S. Expands Aid Efforts in Gaza Amidst Controversy
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is set to see significant changes as the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) plans a major expansion. U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, announced the increase from four to 16 distribution sites, aiming to operate some locations around the clock.
Ambassador Huckabee, during an interview on Fox News, emphasized the goal of enhancing efficiency and reach: “The immediate plan is to scale up the number of sites up to 16, and begin to operate them as much as 24 hours a day, to get more food to more people more efficiently.”
The expansion comes in light of a recent report by Axios suggesting a U.S. takeover of aid distribution in Gaza. Huckabee assured that President Trump is committed to delivering aid while ensuring it does not fall into Hamas hands, noting, “The president has been telling us he wants foods into the hands of hungry people, but he wants it in a way that it doesn’t get into the hands of Hamas.”
The GHF, described by Huckabee as “an American-based operation” supported but not controlled by the IDF, has reportedly served over 106 million meals at existing sites. Despite this success, the foundation has faced criticism from the United Nations and NGOs, who claim the aid sites pose a danger to Palestinian lives.
The U.N. cites reports from the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry alleging over 1,000 Palestinian deaths by IDF soldiers near aid sites, although neither the U.N. nor GHF has provided direct evidence. GHF chief Rev. Johnnie Moore has firmly denounced these allegations as false.
While the IDF has released videos showing purported militant looting of aid, the U.N. continues to dispute claims of Hamas interference. Meanwhile, President Trump is reportedly not pleased with the U.S. possibly taking sole responsibility but recognizes a lack of alternatives. An unnamed official told Axios, “There doesn’t seem to be another way.”
Concerns remain over the U.S. bearing the financial burden alone. Axios cited a U.S. official saying Trump wants global involvement in funding, emphasizing cooperation with European and Arab allies.
While Israeli officials seem supportive, believing it could ease the IDF’s burden, the integration of U.S. aid efforts with Israel’s plans to occupy Gaza remains uncertain. The U.S. could potentially establish aid centers in areas controlled by the IDF as they shift focus to Gaza City.
President Trump has left the decision on Gaza’s occupation to Israel, as noted recently, abstaining from offering a public stance on the matter.
This article was originally published by All Israel News.
