Senators Demand Clarity on US Funding to Gaza Humanitarian Foundation Amid Famine Crisis

Strategic Insights -

US Senators Elizabeth Warren, Chris Van Hollen, and Peter Welch have written to the Department of State and USAID, expressing deep concern over the decision to award $30 million to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) amid a devastating famine crisis in Gaza. The senators cite reports of 994 Palestinians dying near GHF sites while trying to access food, and highlight concerns about GHF's lack of experience, leadership turmoil, and transparency regarding its funders.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification's (IPC) declaration of famine in Gaza has led to 994 Palestinians dying near GHF sites while trying to access food since May.
  • The State Department overrode more than 50 objections raised by USAID staff and waived nine counter-terrorism and anti-fraud requirements to approve the $30 million award for GHF.
  • The senators have raised questions about GHF's lack of basic details about the location of proposed sites, inconsistencies in budget line items, and failure to address how the organization would "Do No Harm".
  • The State Department has failed to provide adequate information to lawmakers regarding the GHF's award, leading to concerns about the Administration's decision-making process.
  • GHF's private security contractors have used live ammunition, pepper spray, and stun grenades near GHF sites, violating humanitarian principles of neutrality and impartiality.
  • The UN has confirmed that at least 20,000 children were admitted to hospitals for acute malnutrition in recent months, with at least 3,000 of those children being considered severely malnourished.

Statistics:

  • 994 Palestinians have died near GHF sites while trying to access food since May.
  • At least 20,000 children were admitted to hospitals for acute malnutrition in recent months.
  • At least 3,000 of those children were considered severely malnourished.
  • One-third of Gaza's population has not been eating for multiple days in a row.
  • The State Department overrode more than 50 objections raised by USAID staff to approve the $30 million award for GHF.

Sources:

  • [Elizabeth Warren's statement](https://masssenators.com/newsroom/releases/press-release-warren-van-hollen-welch-senators-demand-clarity-on-us-funding-to-gaza-humanitarian-foundation-amid-famine-crisis/)
  • [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-gaza-famine-usa-idUSKCN0Y90R5)
  • [Statement by Senators Elizabeth Warren, Chris Van Hollen, and Peter Welch](https://www.vtrumpvonguyencontr.com/index.php/news/press-release-state-department-funding-gaza-humanitarian-foundation-under-fire-from-congressional-leaders)