While visiting Scotland on Monday, President Donald Trump addressed the deepening hunger crisis in Gaza, calling for urgent food aid to be delivered “safely and securely.” He pointed to recent U.S. contributions to humanitarian efforts, claiming, “The United States recently, just a couple of weeks ago, we gave $60 million… No other nation gave money,” and urged other countries to do more.
Half of that U.S. funding—$30 million—has gone to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.- and Israeli-backed aid group that has taken a central role in distributing food in the besieged territory. According to GHF, their operations have delivered 97 million meals to date since beginning efforts on May 27.
GHF’s Approach
GHF says it has partnered with local Palestinian NGOs and aid workers to get food directly into the hands of Gazans while preventing theft or diversion by Hamas. GHF spokesperson Chapin Fay told Fox News Digital that the group has maintained “zero diversion” and aims to feed Gazans in a way that Hamas “can’t steal, loot, or redirect.”
Each aid box distributed by GHF is designed to supply 2,400 daily calories for 5.5 people over 3.5 days. The organization currently operates four distribution centers capable of providing around 2 million meals per day. A new potato-based pilot program has reportedly delivered hundreds of tons of food, and GHF has begun working with local NGOs like Al-Amal to distribute thousands of additional aid boxes.
Harsh Criticism from the U.N.
Despite GHF’s self-reported achievements, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has taken a hard stance against the group. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini called GHF an “abomination” and accused it of delivering “nothing but starvation and gunfire.”
Media reports have cited violence and chaos at GHF distribution sites, including deadly crowd surges. Fay acknowledges there has been “some chaos” due to desperation among starving civilians but insists the number of violent incidents has been minimal. He confirmed two major incidents: a stampede and a grenade attack he blames on Hamas.
Security Controversy
A core point of tension between GHF and the U.N. is the group’s use of armed security. Critics, including many aid groups, say militarizing food aid sites increases the risk to civilians. But Fay argues it’s necessary in a war zone and even offered GHF’s help to secure U.N. aid shipments.
He cited a Reuters report showing that only 8% of U.N. aid reached its intended destination without being looted over the past 10 weeks. “We need to stop pretending there’s only one way to get aid into Gaza,” Fay said.
GHF’s Operational Changes
Fay also discussed the organization’s adjustments on the ground as conditions evolve. GHF has implemented a red-light, green-light system to indicate when sites are active, and added shelf-stable onions to their aid boxes based on suggestions from aid recipients.
A recent policy shift now reserves some food specifically for women and children. Fay described seeing women “smiling at our personnel with their onions on their way home,” signaling that the changes are having a human impact.
Despite the criticism, GHF continues its distribution work and is preparing to deliver its 100 millionth meal later this week. For supporters like Trump, GHF represents a functioning alternative model in a chaotic crisis. For others, it’s a lightning rod for deeper debates on the ethics and logistics of aid delivery in war zones.
FAQs
What is GHF’s role in Gaza?
GHF distributes meals in Gaza with U.S. and Israeli backing.
How many meals has GHF delivered?
GHF has delivered 97 million meals and counting.
Why is GHF controversial?
The U.N. criticizes it for alleged violence and mismanagement.
What kind of aid does GHF provide?
Boxes with 2,400 calories/day for over five people.
Is GHF offering security to other groups?
Yes, GHF offered security help for U.N. aid deliveries.
