Democratic lawmakers demand probe into Gaza aid group after 1,000 civilian deaths at distribution sites
By isabelle // 2025-08-01
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  • A group of 92 Democratic lawmakers is calling for an investigation into the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) after reports linked it to the deaths of more than 1,000 Palestinian civilians at its aid distribution sites.
  • The GHF received $30 million in U.S. funding despite 58 objections from USAID experts about its lack of humanitarian experience, with contractors accused of using lethal force against civilians.
  • Whistleblowers and former contractors describe militarized operations, including live fire and biometric surveillance, under Israeli military supervision at GHF sites guarded by ex-CIA and military personnel.
  • A former U.S. Army contractor revealed the killing of a starving boy, Amir, who was shot after collecting scraps, aligning with Gaza health reports of mass civilian deaths at GHF locations.
  • The State Department ignored warnings about GHF’s unsuitability, while critics demand transparency over alleged Israeli government backing and an immediate halt to U.S. funding for the operation.
A group of 92 Democratic lawmakers is demanding a full investigation into the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.-funded aid group accused of facilitating the killings of more than 1,000 Palestinian civilians at its distribution sites. The foundation, which received $30 million in taxpayer money despite objections from experts, has been condemned as a militarized operation using lethal force against starving families—all while hiding behind the facade of charity. The lawmakers, led by Representative Sean Casten, are pressing Secretary of State Marco Rubio for answers after reports surfaced that Israeli forces and U.S. security contractors, many with intelligence and special forces backgrounds, have fired live rounds, stun grenades, and pepper spray into crowds of desperate civilians. Internal documents reveal that USAID experts raised 58 separate objections to GHF’s lack of humanitarian experience, yet the State Department approved funding anyway.

Aid or execution? The deadly toll of GHF’s militarized distribution

The GHF, which was registered in Delaware in early 2025, operates four distribution sites guarded by private security firms Safe Reach Solutions (SRS) and UG Solutions (UGS), both staffed by former CIA and military personnel. Reports indicate that contractors, under Israeli military supervision, have used biometric surveillance on Palestinians and engaged in what whistleblowers describe as "crowd control" tactics indistinguishable from combat operations. A former GHF contractor, U.S. Army veteran Anthony Aguilar, recounted the harrowing death of a malnourished boy named Amir, who was shot moments after collecting scraps of aid. "Amir walked 12km to get food, got nothing but scraps, thanked us for it, and died," Aguilar said in a viral interview. His testimony aligns with Gaza health officials’ reports of more than 1,000 civilians killed at GHF sites since May, many shot while fleeing with meager rations. Despite GHF’s claims that it provides "life-saving meals," French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot condemned the operation as a "bloodbath," calling it "shameful" and demanding its immediate shutdown.

State Department ignored red flags as millions flowed to unqualified contractors

The $30 million grant to GHF was approved by State Department official Jeremy Lewin despite an internal memo declaring the foundation unfit to meet basic humanitarian standards. Lawmakers are now demanding transparency on why expert warnings were ignored, and why GHF refuses to disclose its donors amid allegations of $280 million in Israeli government backing. Safe Reach Solutions, led by ex-CIA officer Philip Reilly, defended its role, claiming it enables "the safe delivery of nearly 100 million meals." But critics argue the meals come at the cost of civilian lives. A UN analysis found no evidence of widespread Hamas aid theft, undermining Israel’s justification for GHF’s militarized approach. The GHF scandal is a grotesque example of how taxpayer dollars are weaponized under the guise of aid. With famine declared in Gaza and children dying of starvation, the U.S. must halt funding to this lethal operation and restore oversight to neutral agencies. As Aguilar warned, "This is not humanitarian aid—it’s a trap." Sources for this article include: TheCradle.co CNN.com Reuters.com AlJazeera.com
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