Swiss authorities exploring probe into US-backed Gaza aid group

Swiss authorities have told Reuters that they are exploring whether to open a legal investigation into the activities of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a US-backed organisation that plans to oversee aid distribution in the enclave.

It comes after a Swiss NGO submitted a request for a probe into GHF's aid plan, which the UN has opposed, saying it is not impartial or neutral and forces further Palestinian displacement and exposes thousands of people to harm.

The GHF told Reuters it "strictly adheres" to humanitarian principles and would not support any form of forced relocation of civilians.

Trial International, a Switzerland-based NGO, on Friday said it had filed two legal submissions asking Swiss authorities to investigate whether the Swiss-registered GHF complies with Swiss law and international humanitarian law.

Aid organisations named in a letter from GHF have sought to distance themselves from the controversial plan which is expected to launch this week.

The 22 May letter, obtained by Middle East Eye, was sent by the foundation's executive director Jake Wood to Cogat, the Israeli military unit overseeing aid logistics in Gaza.

The latest apparent leak of a GHF document, which follows another earlier this month, comes as the organisation is under further scrutiny following investigations in the Washington Post and the New York Times which raise questions about the ties between the organisation and Israeli officials.