USAID report questioned GHF aid plan days before funding was approved

Just days before the U.S. pledged $30 million in aid, federal officials flagged serious doubts about whether the coordinating group could safely get food to Palestinians in Gaza. A government review revealed concerns over the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s ability to carry out deliveries without putting aid recipients at risk, concerns that surfaced in writing before funding was approved, according to CNN. 

Federal review flagged safety and oversight issues

USAID officials said the 14-page report lacked key details about how and where food would be delivered. Some warned against moving forward with the GHF, citing “operational and reputational risks” and a lack of oversight. 

The GHF told CNN that the questions and concerns are a normal part of the USAID application process to gather more clarification. Chapin Fay, a spokesperson for GHF, said, “We are addressing each question as per regulations and normal procedure and will continue to do so as required.”

Since beginning its aid work in Gaza, GHF has faced accusations of putting Palestinians in harm’s way, potentially exposing them to Israeli military strikes. The United Nations has repeatedly criticized the group’s operations, calling them a “scheme” that it says has led to the deaths of at least 500 people and left more than 4,000 injured while seeking aid. Although the GHF and Israel both refuted these claims and said aid delivery remains effective, Israel has taken responsibility for some incidents.

US and Israel defend GHF’s role in Gaza

Both the U.S. government and Israel have expressed strong support for GHF and defended its work in the region. In a statement to CNN, a State Department spokesperson echoed comments made in June by Tommy Pigott, who said President Donald Trump remains committed to delivering aid effectively while preventing Hamas from intercepting supplies.

“GHF is a results-focused alternative to a broken aid system, delivering more than 66 million meals to the people of Gaza in just weeks,”  the spokesperson said. 

The initial concerns raised by the USAID were allegedly never shared with the group before funding was approved, according to a source who spoke to CNN on condition of anonymity. Two sources said Secretary of State Marco Rubio and top foreign aid official Jeremy Lewin fast-tracked the $30 million in U.S. funding. It’s unclear if senior leadership reviewed the full report. 

D​​etails missing in aid proposal, internal documents show

USAID flagged several issues in the GHF’s application, citing missing details and basic requirements that were not met. The internal review said GHF failed to include at least nine key elements typically needed for funding approval.

A three-page risk plan lacked clear steps on how aid would safely reach Palestinians, and a mission statement didn’t meet safety and accountability standards. USAID urged GHF to explain how it would uphold the “do no harm” principle and ensure secure, effective aid delivery.

Reviewers also questioned the group’s math and noted inconsistencies in the timeline. GHF requested $30 million from the State Department, part of a broader $100 million budget, but failed to show how those funds would support an expansion from four to eight aid sites or specify the locations of those sites.

USAID also warned about GHF’s plan to distribute infant formula, saying it could pose serious health risks if not handled under proper guidelines, especially in areas with unsafe drinking water.

Why was GHF chosen for aid delivery? 

Israel has pressed for a major change in Gaza’s aid delivery system, arguing that UN-led distribution isn’t working and that too many supplies could be diverted to Hamas. Despite Hamas’ denials of taking aid, the GHF has stepped in as one of the limited options to feed civilians facing severe hunger.

Traditionally, the UN, through agencies such as UNRWA, has managed the delivery of food, medicine and crucial services in Gaza. For years, it served as the main artery for international humanitarian relief. An April report from USAID’s Office of Inspector General found three current or former UNRWA employees were connected to the Oct. 7 terror attacks by Hamas, and 14 others had affiliations with the group.