Senator Elizabeth Warren has challenged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the potential redirection of $500 million from USAID to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a controversial aid organization backed by the Israeli and US governments. In a letter to Rubio and USAID’s acting administrator, Warren expressed concerns about the GHF’s departure from established humanitarian practices and its lack of transparency in funding sources and connections to the Trump Administration. She emphasized the need for clarity before committing any funding to the organization.

Warren’s letter requested detailed information by July 2, including whether USAID is considering funding the GHF, the terms of any possible agreement, and the GHF’s ties to the Boston Consulting Group. The GHF, which faced controversy following shootings at its food distribution sites by Israeli forces, has struggled to gain support from major aid organizations. Despite pressure from Israeli and US officials to work with the GHF, many aid groups have boycotted it.

The GHF’s former executive director, Jake Wood, resigned citing concerns about the organization’s independence from political influence. Critics argue that the GHF serves as a political tool to manipulate humanitarian aid distribution in Gaza, potentially violating international law. The GHF’s operations have been marred by security issues, leading to the temporary closure of some food distribution centers.

The situation underscores the complex challenges in providing aid to Gaza and the need for transparency and accountability in humanitarian efforts. The Guardian has reached out to the state department for further comment on this contentious issue.