Latest news with #Pigott
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
U.S. to give $30M to Gaza aid group called a "death trap" by U.N.
The U.S. State Department announced Thursday that the Trump administration had approved $30 million in funding for the controversial, opaquely run private food distribution organization known as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which has been criticized by a United Nations agency as "a death trap" for hungry Palestinians in the war-torn enclave. It is the first U.S. government funding for the GHF confirmed by the Trump administration. Since it began operating in May, the GHF says it has distributed more than 46 million meals to Gazans, but its record has been marred by almost daily reports of civilians being killed trying to access its four "distribution hubs." The Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health said that as of Wednesday, 549 people had been killed near GHF hubs trying to access aid, and more than 4,066 others wounded. The United Nations has reported a lower death toll, saying that 410 people have been killed near the aid hubs. The GHF dismisses the Ministry of Health's figures as disinformation, and it says daily that nobody has been killed inside any of its hubs, while acknowledging incidents of violence outside the sites and referring to Israel's military for further information. "We call on other countries to also support the GHF," State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said during a media briefing on Thursday, adding that the U.S. support, "is simply the latest iteration of President Trump's and Secretary Rubio's pursuit of peace in the region." Pigott said he couldn't say whether the U.S. funds had already been handed over to the GHF. Asked about the pattern of near-daily reports of fatal shootings by Israeli forces around GHF distribution hubs, which the Israeli military says it is investigating, Pigott referred the reporter to the IDF to comment on its investigations, and added: "Many of these reports are based on Hamas propaganda." Given his emphasis on the Trump administration's priority being the provision of more aid in Gaza, Pigott was asked repeatedly whether the U.S. would push Israel to allow other, well established humanitarian organizations to operate more freely inside the strip. He responded to that question multiple times by repeating his call for other countries to support the GHF. After being pushed by multiple reporters on the accusations that the GHF hubs are "traps" for Israeli forces to fire on civilians, Pigott said it was "important to realize that Hamas bears sole responsibility for this conflict." Other humanitarian organizations, including U.N. agencies, have refused to work with the GHF, saying it operates in a way that dehumanizes Palestinians by forcing them to venture long distances for food, and citing repeated instances of violence around its distribution sites. "Now is the time for unity and collaboration," the GHF said Friday. "We look forward to other aid and humanitarian organizations joining us so we can feed even more Gazans, together." CBS News has requested in-person, on-camera interviews with GHF representatives repeatedly since the organization's creation was announced. GHF has yet to grant an interview. Criticism of GFH mounts, as it's labelled "a death trap" and a "U.S. proxy" The head of the U.N.'s agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, called the operation "a death trap" in a scathing statement earlier this week. There were new reports Friday of Palestinians being fired on near a GHF hub in southern Gaza, near the city of Rafah. An amateur video shared online by local Palestinian news organizations — which CBS News was not immediately able to independently verify — showed people laying on the ground for cover as bullets can be heard whizzing past. The video was shared with the caption: "We are besieged by hunger from behind and death from ahead." The international charity Doctors Without Borders added its voice on Friday to the list of non-governmental organizations decrying the GHF, calling the group a "Israeli-U.S. proxy" and a "slaughter masquerading as humanitarian aid." "The four distribution sites, all located in areas under the full control of Israeli forces after people had been forcibly displaced from there, are the size of football fields surrounded by watch points, mounds of earth and barbed wire. The fenced entrance gives only one access point in or out," MSF emergency coordinator in Gaza, Aitor Zabalgogeazkoa, said in the statement. "If people arrive early and approach the checkpoints, they get shot. If they arrive on time, but there is an overflow and they jump over the mounds and the wires, they get shot. If they arrive late, they shouldn't be there because it is an 'evacuated zone', they get shot." "It's unfortunate that MSF has joined the misinformation smear campaign by the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry," a GHF spokesperson told CBS News on Friday. "Many of these alleged incidents were falsely linked to GHF sites when in fact they occurred near other humanitarian convoys or distribution locations." The spokesperson did not reply to a CBS News' question about whether the GHF was created or operates in direct conjunction with the U.S. or Israeli governments. The Israeli newspaper Haaretz added further weight to the accusations about violence around GHF hubs in an article published Friday, saying it had been told by some anonymous IDF personnel of a deliberate policy to shoot at crowds near GHF distribution sites. One soldier was quoted as saying he had been deployed near a GHF hub, and he described the situation as "a killing field." "Where I was stationed, between one and five people were killed every day," the soldier told Haaretz, which has long been critical of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. "They're treated like a hostile force — no crowd-control measures, no tear gas — just live fire with everything imaginable: heavy machine guns, grenade launchers, mortars. Then, once the center opens, the shooting stops, and they know they can approach. Our form of communication is gunfire." "We strongly reject the accusation raised in the article," the IDF told CBS News in a statement on Friday. "The IDF did not instruct the forces to deliberately shoot at civilians, including those approaching the distribution centers. To be clear, IDF directives prohibit deliberate attacks on civilians." The military said it was "operating to allow and facilitate the distribution of humanitarian aid by the American 'Gaza Humanitarian Foundation' (GHF), and to secure the routes leading to the distribution centers, in order to allow the aid to reach the civilians rather than Hamas." The IDF added that its forces were "conducting systematic learning processes aimed at improving the operational response in the area (around GHF hubs) and minimizing, as much as possible, potential friction between the civilian population and IDF forces. As part of this effort, IDF forces have recently taken steps to reorganize the area, including the installation of new fencing, signage, the opening of additional routes, and more." It said recent reports of civilians being harmed approaching GHF hubs were "being examined by the relevant IDF authorities" and that "any allegation of a deviation from the law or IDF directives will be thoroughly examined, and further action will be taken as necessary." In a joint statement on Friday, Netanyahu and Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz also said the "State of Israel strongly rejects the despicable blood libels published in the newspaper 'Haaretz.'" In response to the Haaretz article, a GHF spokesperson told CBS News on Friday that there had "been no incidents or fatalities at or in the immediate vicinity of any of our distribution sites. However, IDF is tasked with providing safe passage for aid-seekers to all humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza, including GHF. GHF is not aware of any of these incidents but these allegations are too grave to ignore and we therefore call on Israel to investigate them and transparently publish the results in a timely manner." GHF boss dismisses criticism as "disinformation" GHF executive chairman Johnnie Moore, an evangelical preacher twice appointed by President Trump as a White House adviser on religious freedoms, told Britain's Sky News on Friday that there was a "disinformation campaign" that is "meant to shut down our efforts" in the Gaza Strip. "Hamas is intentionally harming people for the purpose of defaming what we're doing," he said, adding that the "U.S. endorsement of the effort is Exhibit A that it is actually working, despite the disinformation campaign that is very, very deliberate, meant to shut down our efforts." Moore suggested that violence could not be avoided around its hubs in Gaza, as the small, densely populated Palestinian territory remains an active warzone. Sky cited a U.N. figure of 410 people killed near aid hubs in Gaza, slightly lower than the figure provided by the health ministry. In a social media post after his interview with Sky, Moore said that "some associated with the UN (& others) are knowingly sharing info that cannot be independently verified, & they're doing so solely for political purposes… while claiming impartiality. GHF is not political. It just has one mission: feed Gaza." "The key piece of disinformation is, every single day, some figure comes out from the Gaza Health Ministry. It's normally shared with a network like Al-Jazeera, and it sort of like, goes around the world," he told Sky, when asked specifically what disinformation he was referring to. Moore drew a distinction between the GHF's operations and those of the Israel military. "The difference between, you know, what happens when the IDF is involved in an incident — and we're not denying that there have been those incidents, there have been those incidents — but we're able to talk to the IDF, the IDF does an investigation, and the IDF is a professionalized military," Moore said. "Hamas is intentionally harming people for the purpose of defaming what we're doing." The IDF has issued repeated statements after reports of troops firing on unarmed Palestinian civilians seeking aid, saying it has launched investigations. The results of any investigations related to incidents near GHF hubs have yet to be made public by the IDF. "They go to get food, but end up being killed." A number of Palestinians have told CBS News' team in Gaza about experiences of violence near GHF distribution sites. In early June, the family of Reem Akhras, a mother of eight, told CBS News' team in Gaza at her funeral that she was shot on her way to retrieve an aid parcel from a GHF hub. "You went to get us food, Mom," Akhras' young daughter cried, sobbing over her body. "We will never forgive them." "They go to get food, but end up being killed," a man at Gaza's Nasser Hospital — where many of the injured were taken after an incident near a GHF hub in southern Gaza this week — told CBS News. "They come with empty bags, and the American security company along with the Israeli army, they shoot these young men." The man said 30 people were killed on that day trying to reach the GHF hub. "I tell everybody: Don't go. I send a message to all those young men: Do not go. Families should not send their children. Those who go will die. It's a trap. Stop going there. And if your son insists on going, break his legs. Do not go there." Another man at the hospital told CBS News that people have died "in every family. They were just going to get food. They are hungry, grieving. They've got nothing to eat. Nothing to drink. There's no life. No safety. There's none of that in Gaza." The man said he wished the rest of the world could understand the suffering of people in Gaza. "Young men in their prime are dying. What brings these youngsters to go to the aid sites? It's hunger. The fire of hunger has ravaged the people." GHF declines to reveal other backers Asked why the GHF was not being more transparent about its funding, organization and management, Moore declined to give further information about those matters, instead noting the group's daily press release to news organizations that lists the number of meals it says it has distributed and other "operations on the ground." The GHF has been surrounded by controversy from the moment it commenced operations in mid-May. Just days after it launched its operation in Gaza, the group's first executive director, American Jake Wood, announced his resignation, saying it had become clear the foundation would not be allowed to operate independently. GHF then said it was winding down its operation in Switzerland after Swiss authorities said it was breaching rules for foundations registered in that country. GHF told CBS News at the time that henceforth, its only operations would be based out of the United States. "We're saying everything we can, every single day, and by the way, we promise to do more of that," Moore said on Friday when pressed by Sky News about where the organization's funding comes from and what other entities it works with directly. "One of the reasons we haven't released some pieces of information is because of this amazing, amazing opposition to any effort whatsoever to do this differently." Moore repeated the GHF's insistence that only its method of aid distribution in Gaza was viable, as the only other way meant that "virtually every piece of aid that comes into the Gaza Strip is immediately taken by armed gangs, by Hamas." Other aid agencies, and officials in the Hamas-run enclave, acknowledge that looting does happen, but they refute claims of large-scale aid theft or diversion, saying the primary challenge to distributing food in Gaza is Israeli forces not permitting those operations. On June 11, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee was asked by CBS News' partner network BBC News if the State Department was funding GHF. "It is not currently being funded largely by the U.S.," he said at the time. "There are other countries, there are NGOs, there are humanitarian funds, and there are private individuals who have funded it, all of which have requested to remain anonymous. I think they don't want to become the targets of the hate that has befitted those who have tried to do something positive in what is a very difficult situation." Hegseth slams Iran strikes initial assessment that contradicts Trump's take Young Cuban girl asks Trump to lift travel ban stopping her from joining mom in U.S. Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez set for star-studded wedding in Venice
Roya News
a day ago
- Politics
- Roya News
US greenlights $30M for controversial Gaza aid group
The US State Department announced Thursday it will provide USD 30 million in funding to a newly established food distribution network in Gaza. The initiative, known as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), has been promoted by 'Israel' and is largely operated by American contractors, but has drawn sharp criticism from humanitarian groups and the UN. At a press briefing, State Department spokesman Thomas Pigott praised the group, calling it 'absolutely incredible and should be commended and supported.' He urged other countries to contribute financially to the foundation, despite objections raised by numerous aid organizations over its methods and the violence reported around its distribution points. The GHF began distributing food in southern Gaza late last month, establishing only a limited number of sites. Most are located near 'Israeli' military positions, a fact that aid groups say creates dangerous conditions for civilians seeking food and undermines humanitarian neutrality. Pigott declined to say whether the US funding had already been disbursed or if the foundation would expand to serve more of Gaza's population. However, he emphasized that the new system aligned with 'President Trump's call to deliver aid in a way where it can't be looted by Hamas,' and described the foundation's model as one of 'creative solutions.' Violence has been a constant near these distribution sites, with hundreds reportedly killed in the past month as desperate civilians have crowded around aid convoys. Witnesses say Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) have opened fire near the centers, though the IOF claims it only fired warning shots when soldiers felt threatened. The Gaza health ministry has attributed many deaths to these incidents. The GHF has denied responsibility, suggesting that some reports were misattributed or fueled by 'Hamas propaganda.' It has also accused Hamas of threatening aid workers and spreading misinformation. Meanwhile, international human rights groups remain skeptical. In a joint statement released Tuesday, 15 organizations criticized the foundation's 'militarized model' and close cooperation with 'Israeli' authorities, saying it violates the humanitarian principles of impartiality, neutrality, and independence. Despite these concerns, John Acree, the foundation's interim executive director, welcomed the US pledge. 'Americans deeply care about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and want to see real action,' he said. 'Now is the time for unity and collaboration.' However, many say the new initiative falls far short of meeting the enormous humanitarian need in Gaza. Nearly two million Palestinians live in the enclave, where 'Israel's' blockade, imposed after the aggression began in October 2023, drastically reduced the flow of food and medicine. From March to May, aid was almost entirely cut off. While 'Israel' insists Hamas has looted aid, the UN disputes that it happens systematically and argues that the real issue is the obstruction of supply lines. The UN warned Thursday that most families in Gaza are surviving on a single meager meal a day, with adults regularly skipping food so children and the elderly can eat. Even as other organizations resume work, including World Central Kitchen (WCK), which restarted operations after a May suspension, the UN says aid access is still woefully inadequate.
LeMonde
a day ago
- Politics
- LeMonde
US approves $30 million funding for Gaza Humanitarian Foundation
The United States said on Thursday, June 26, it has approved its first direct funding for a controversial Israeli-supported relief effort in the Gaza Strip and urged other countries to follow suit. "We have approved funding for $30 million to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. And we call on other countries to also support the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) and its critical work," State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott told reporters. Starting in March, Israel blocked deliveries of food and other crucial supplies into Gaza for more than two months, leading to warnings of famine in the territory widely flattened by Israeli bombing since the massive October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, backed by armed US contractors with the Israeli troops on the perimeter, began operations at the end of May that have been marred by chaotic scenes, deaths and neutrality concerns. The Gaza health ministry says that since late May, nearly 550 people have been killed near aid centers while seeking scarce supplies. The GHF, which is officially a private group, has denied that deadly incidents have occurred in the immediate vicinity of its aid points. The GHF's interim executive director, John Acree, welcomed the US contribution and said it was "time for unity and collaboration." "We look forward to other aid and humanitarian organizations joining us so we can feed even more Gazans, together," he said in a statement. Major aid groups and the United Nations have refused to work with the GHF, saying it violates basic humanitarian principles by coordinating delivery with troops. Asked about the criticism of the operation, Pigott said the group has distributed 46 million meals so far, which is "absolutely incredible" and "should be applauded." "From day one, we said we are open to creative solutions that securely provide aid to those in Gaza and protects Israel," Pigott said. The financial support to the GHF is part of President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio's "pursuit of peace in the region," he said.
Shafaq News
2 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
US pledges $30M for Gaza relief
Shafaq News – Washington The United States has committed $30 million in new humanitarian aid for Gaza and is calling on international partners to expand support for the war-torn enclave. Deputy State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott confirmed the funding during a press briefing, stating the aid would be directed to the Gaza Relief Foundation, which has so far delivered over 46 million meals to civilians. Pigott decried what he described as 'unbelievable looting' in the territory and reaffirmed Washington's commitment to establishing secure aid channels that ensure assistance reaches civilians while safeguarding Israeli security interests. The announcement comes as Gaza endures severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, following sustained Israeli bombardment and blockade. Alongside direct assistance, the US is pressing allied governments to scale up contributions and bolster non-governmental partners operating on the ground.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
US pledges $30 million for Gaza relief amid controversy
WASHINGTON: The United States has announced its first direct funding of $30 million for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a controversial relief effort backed by Israel. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott called on other nations to support the initiative, emphasizing its role in addressing Gaza's humanitarian crisis. Israel's blockade on food and essential supplies since March has heightened famine risks in Gaza, devastated by Israeli airstrikes following Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack. The GHF, operating since late May with armed US contractors alongside Israeli forces, has faced scrutiny over chaotic aid distribution, civilian deaths, and neutrality violations. The Gaza health ministry reports nearly 550 fatalities near aid centers since May. The GHF denies responsibility for these incidents, with interim director John Acree welcoming US funding as a step toward 'unity and collaboration.' Major aid organizations and the UN have refused to partner with GHF, citing breaches of humanitarian principles due to military coordination. Pigott defended the group, citing 46 million meals distributed as 'incredible' progress. The funding aligns with President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio's regional peace efforts, Pigott added.
