Trump Says U.S. Gave $60M to Gaza, But Only $3M Has Been Sent

U.S. Aid to Gaza: A Closer Look at the Discrepancy

Recent statements by former President Donald Trump have sparked a debate over the actual amount of U.S. aid being provided to Gaza. Trump has repeatedly claimed that the United States has contributed $60 million for food in the region, but official records and recent reports suggest a different story.

A spokesperson from the U.S. State Department confirmed that only $30 million has been approved for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a controversial U.S.-Israeli backed food distribution system. This figure is half of what Trump has asserted. The spokesperson also noted that an initial portion of this funding has been disbursed, though the exact amount remains unclear.

Trump’s remarks came during his visit to Scotland, where he criticized the media for not acknowledging what he described as the administration's generosity. He stated, “We gave $60 million a couple of weeks ago,” and expressed frustration over the lack of recognition for his efforts. However, the White House has not provided detailed information about the disbursement process or the specific allocation of funds.

Funding Challenges and Operational Limitations

The GHF has faced challenges in expanding its operations in Gaza without additional funding. While there are plans to add more distribution sites in southern Gaza, the foundation requires both financial support and Israeli approval to establish new locations farther north. This limitation has drawn criticism from various international actors who argue that the GHF should be replaced by the United Nations for aid distribution.

Despite these concerns, the U.S. administration has chosen the GHF as its primary vehicle for delivering aid. This decision has raised questions about the effectiveness and transparency of the organization, particularly given the restrictions placed on other international aid groups by Israel.

Recent Developments and International Reactions

PolitiFact reported that only $30 million in U.S. aid had been approved, with none disbursed at the time of the report. By Friday, approximately $3 million had been sent to the GHF. The U.S. Embassy shared photographs of presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee visiting a GHF distribution site in Gaza. Their visit aimed to provide a firsthand understanding of the humanitarian situation and to help craft a plan for delivering food and medical aid.

However, the United Nations has not been involved in these meetings, raising questions about the coordination between the U.S. and international aid organizations. The purpose of the visit, according to Witkoff, was to ensure that aid reaches those in need effectively.

Financial Support and Future Plans

The U.S. has assured those involved in the GHF that it will not allow the foundation to run out of money. A source close to the operation mentioned that additional sites in the north are under consideration, but the process is complex and time-consuming. Expanding the number of distribution sites would require significant resources, including building materials, trucks, armored vehicles, and protective gear for contractors and volunteers.

The current contracts for American contractors providing logistics and security for the GHF are set to expire in three weeks, adding urgency to the need for continued funding and planning. The cost of feeding all 2.2 million people in Gaza is estimated at about $6 million per day.

Ongoing Controversies and Concerns

Both the United States and Israel have defended the GHF, claiming it is more effective than U.N. convoys, which they allege are frequently looted by Hamas. However, U.N. officials have countered that much of the food seized is taken by desperate Gazans rather than militants.

As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve, the role of the GHF and the U.S. commitment to aid distribution remain central to the ongoing dialogue. With the need for increased funding and operational support, the focus remains on ensuring that aid reaches those most in need.