Above photo: Eyad Baba/AFP/Getty Images.
Criticism is mounting in response to the continuous toll of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces and US military-linked contractors at GHF sites
A group of 92 Democratic US House members has called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to launch a formal investigation into the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), citing serious concerns about its funding, operational conduct, and role in civilian massacres at aid distribution sites in Gaza.
Led by Representative Sean Casten, the lawmakers pointed out GHF’s lack of prior humanitarian experience and questioned its suitability to serve as a primary aid delivery mechanism. They urged greater oversight to ensure aid reaches Palestinian civilians safely and in compliance with international standards.
Over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed at GHF-run distribution sites, where crowd chaos has escalated into violence and casualties, including lethal force used by US contractors and Israeli personnel.
Pre-approval objections from USAID experts—58 in total—regarding the foundation’s technical capacity were reportedly ignored in granting GHF a $30 million grant in June.
An internal memo allegedly described GHF as failing to meet minimum standards. The decision was signed off by senior State Department official Jeremy Lewin.
The funding sources and structure of GHF remain opaque. Lawmakers referenced unverified reports suggesting Israeli government contributions of $280 million, a claim GHF denies, and questioned why the organization—registered in Delaware in early 2025—has yet to disclose a list of donors. Its branch in Switzerland has already been closed.
GHF operates four distribution sites and contracts two private security firms, Safe Reach Solutions (SRS) and UG Solutions (UGS), both led by personnel without humanitarian backgrounds.
SRS, led by former CIA operations chief Philip Reilly, and UG Solutions have recruited intelligence and special-forces veterans to run logistics and security. Reports suggest biometric surveillance of Palestinians is being used by contractors and Israeli soldiers at aid sites for unexplained reasons.
The lawmakers also highlighted the resignation of GHF’s founding executive director, former US Marine Jake Wood, who reportedly left over disputes regarding humanitarian principles.
In their letter, the lawmakers demanded detailed answers on how funds were allocated, monitoring protocols, the dismissal of expert concerns, and compliance with US and international humanitarian law. They set a deadline of 14 August for the State Department to respond.
Their request echoes the broader warning of UN Secretary-General AntĂłnio Guterres, who said humanitarian assistance to Gaza must shift from a “trickle” to a torrent. “This is not a warning. It is a reality unfolding before our eyes,” Guterres said, emphasizing that action is needed now in Gaza’s escalating humanitarian crisis.
