US-backed Gaza 'aid group' faced scathing review before $30m approval

A US-backed so-called aid group operating in Gaza faced serious internal criticism from USAID officials just days before the State Department announced $30 million in funding, according to a confidential assessment obtained by CNN.

The 14-page document reveals that officials raised “critical concerns” about the so-called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s (GHF) ability to protect civilians and deliver aid effectively, questioning its capacity to operate in the wake of Israel’s months-long blockade.

Israeli forces have killed more than 750 Palestinians near aid distribution points, including at sites run by the GHF.

Reviewers slammed the group’s funding request as vague and poorly thought out, noting that its overall plan lacked “even basic details” and included a proposal to hand out powdered baby formula in areas without safe water.

“I do not concur with moving forward with GHF given operational and reputational risks and lack of oversight,” one USAID official wrote.

A source with direct knowledge of the submission echoed that view, telling CNN, “The application was abysmal… it was sorely lacking real content.”