Lawsuit filed against US government over Gaza aid funding secrecy
The Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) in New York has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, accusing it of withholding financial documents of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), as reported by Middle East Eye on August 20th.
The legal action demands disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.
CCR explained that its suit “seeks records that could shed light on not only the decision-making process… but also on the creation of GHF, its funding and how it plans to use” a US government grant. The group said it also wants to determine whether the foundation’s activities connect to President Trump’s so-called “Gaza Riviera” project, which it described as a scheme to drive Palestinians out and redevelop the territory for investors.
GHF began distributing food parcels in southern Gaza in May, yet its finances remain opaque. Its chief executive resigned in protest over human rights concerns. Israeli forces have since killed hundreds near the group’s four distribution sites.
Videos have also circulated showing US military contractors working for GHF firing on desperate civilians. Anthony Aguilar, an ex-US special forces soldier, confirmed those incidents after leaving the organisation. Amnesty International has claimed that Israel has used aid as an opportunity to carry out a genocide against Palestinians.
CCR alleged that GHF operates “in close coordination with the Israeli government and US for-profit private military contractors,” turning its centres into “scenes of chaos and carnage”. The group concluded: “GHF, far from alleviating suffering in Gaza, is contributing to the forced displacement, killing and furtherance of genocide of Palestinians.”
The US State Department approved $30m for GHF, bypassing audits and overriding 58 internal objections. It was found that approximately half the sum has already been delivered, but the source of earlier funding for staff salaries and travel is not known.
CCR also urged Delaware’s attorney general, Kathy Jennings, to revoke GHF’s charitable registration, arguing that it masks complicity in war crimes.
Middle East Eye, Maghrebi.org
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