Summary
A US Department of State official waived counterterrorism and anti-fraud safeguards to quickly approve a $30 million award to a Gaza aid group called GHF. The approval process attracted attention because experts highlighted unmet technical standards, and there were reports of violence linked to the aid sites.
Key Facts
- A State Department official waived nine safety checks to approve a $30 million fund for the Gaza aid group, GHF.
- The approval happened only five days after the group applied for the funds.
- Internal assessors noted that the funding plan did not meet some required standards.
- There were 58 objections from USAID staff that were bypassed.
- The GHF coordinates closely with the Israeli military, and reports highlight violence near its aid sites.
- The funds were approved under a rule for quick response to emergencies.
- GHF claims its operations are safeguarded against waste and fraud.
- Gaza's Health Ministry reports 743 Palestinians have been killed near GHF aid sites.
