Why Is the US Funding the Controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation? Inside the $30 Million Aid Debate

A New Chapter in Gaza Aid: The US Steps In

Did you know that for the first time ever, the US government has officially approved $30 million in funding for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)? This move, announced on June 26, 2025, marks a dramatic shift in how international aid is delivered to Gaza. The US State Department, under President Trump and Secretary Rubio, not only endorsed the funding but also called on other countries to support GHF’s controversial mission. The foundation, which began operations in May, is backed by both the US and Israeli governments, but its methods and impact have ignited intense debate among global observers.

What Is the GHF and Why Is It So Controversial?

GHF is a private humanitarian organization established with the stated goal of distributing food and essential supplies to Gaza’s war-ravaged population. Unlike traditional aid groups, GHF coordinates closely with Israeli military forces and employs private US military contractors for logistics and security. This approach has drawn sharp criticism from major international NGOs and the United Nations, who argue that GHF’s methods violate basic humanitarian principles and undermine the neutrality essential for aid work. Since its inception, most established aid organizations and UN agencies have refused to collaborate with GHF, effectively boycotting its operations.

Deadly Consequences: Aid Distribution Amid Violence

One of the most alarming aspects of GHF’s operations has been the high number of civilian casualties reported near its aid distribution sites. According to the Gaza health ministry and multiple news sources, nearly 550 Palestinians have been killed and thousands injured while attempting to receive food from GHF locations since late May. Video evidence and eyewitness accounts suggest that many of these deaths occurred as desperate civilians clashed with Israeli forces stationed near the aid centers. Human rights groups and over 200 NGOs have condemned the situation, calling for an immediate return to UN-led distribution systems and warning that GHF’s model is fueling chaos and risk for Gaza’s starving population.

US Justification and Political Context

So why is the US supporting such a controversial group? According to State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott, GHF has managed to deliver over 46 million meals while preventing looting by Hamas—a feat the US government sees as both innovative and effective. The Trump administration frames this support as part of its broader strategy for regional peace and security, emphasizing the need for ‘creative solutions’ that both help Gazans and address Israeli security concerns. However, some US officials have privately expressed concerns about the GHF’s inexperience, the involvement of for-profit military contractors, and the mounting civilian death toll.

How Are Koreans and Global Communities Reacting?

Korean online communities like DC Inside, TheQoo, and Naver have been buzzing with mixed reactions. Some users express outrage at the civilian casualties, questioning the ethics of supporting a group linked to so many deaths. Others argue that, given the collapse of traditional aid routes and the alleged diversion of supplies by Hamas, the GHF model—however flawed—might be the only way to get food into Gaza. Internationally, the response is just as divided: while some Western commentators praise the US for ‘doing something’ amid a humanitarian disaster, most human rights organizations and Middle Eastern voices see GHF as a dangerous experiment that puts Palestinian lives at even greater risk.

Cultural Insight: Why This Matters for Global Fans

For readers outside Korea, it’s important to understand the deep cultural and political sensitivities surrounding Gaza. The region has been under blockade since 2007, with periodic wars devastating its infrastructure and leaving over two million people in dire need. Aid distribution is not just a logistical challenge but a flashpoint for political, religious, and ethical debates. The GHF controversy highlights the tension between humanitarian urgency and the realities of military occupation, as well as the global struggle to balance security concerns with the imperative to save lives. Fans of K-culture and international affairs should pay close attention to how these debates play out in both local and global media.

What’s Next for GHF and Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis?

As of July 2025, the future of GHF’s operations remains uncertain. The US has hinted at the possibility of additional monthly grants, but mounting criticism and the ongoing violence at aid sites could force a policy rethink. The UN and major NGOs continue to demand a return to established, neutral distribution systems, while the GHF insists it is delivering vital aid where others cannot. For the people of Gaza, the stakes could not be higher: with famine looming and no end to the blockade in sight, the world’s response to the GHF experiment may shape the fate of millions.