A group of senior Democratic senators is demanding the State Department provide full transparency regarding its financing and oversight of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), citing a lack of basic accountability and alarming reports about the organization’s operations.
In a formal letter, the lawmakers expressed deep concern over the State Department’s failure to answer fundamental questions about the GHF in a timely manner. They highlighted that the department’s overriding of internal protocols and staff warnings raises serious questions about its ability to conduct proper oversight of the substantial funds provided to the organization.
The senators called for immediate cessation of funding to the GHF, urging that resources be redirected to experienced humanitarian organizations with proven track records. They pointed to mounting evidence suggesting the GHF is failing to fulfill its humanitarian mission effectively.
According to reports, nearly 1,000 Palestinians have died near GHF aid distribution sites since the organization began operations in May. The senators also raised concerns about the foundation’s apparent coordination with military forces and its employment of private military contractors reportedly linked to intelligence activities, stating that humanitarian aid should never serve as cover for intelligence operations.
The controversy extends to financial transparency, with discrepancies between publicly acknowledged funding amounts and other reported figures. The State Department has only acknowledged approving a $30 million grant to the GHF in June, despite other reports suggesting significantly higher funding levels. The senators emphasized that the department’s failure to publish detailed grant information violates federal law.
Additional concerns have emerged regarding the GHF’s connection to a controversial development plan for Gaza that critics describe as potentially facilitating large-scale population displacement. Though not formally adopted as policy, the plan has drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocates.
The senators have formally requested copies of all award documents, internal reviews, export licenses for military services, and other legally required vetting materials that have not been made public. The State Department has yet to respond to these demands for information and accountability.
