Pappas Joins 92 House Democrats in Demanding Oversight Into Humanitarian Efforts in Gaza Amid Starvation Crisis

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined 92 House Democrats to demand Secretary of State Marco Rubio open an investigation into the ownership structure and operation of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a private, unqualified aid organization at the center of the worsening starvation and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

“We have serious concerns with the operations of GHF, a newly established, private, U.S.-linked organization with no prior humanitarian experience, and the possibility that it could become the sole or primary aid provider in Gaza,” the lawmakers wrote. “... Providing secure and efficient humanitarian assistance to Palestinians is not only a moral obligation—it is also vital to Israel’s long-term security and the safe return of Israeli hostages. Enhancing aid operations is essential to stabilizing the region and achieving lasting peace.”

The lawmakers also expressed deep concern regarding disturbing violence at GHF distribution sites, where flawed distribution methods have caused widespread panic and mass casualties.

“Instead of using traditional aid distribution methods, based on internationally agreed-upon humanitarian principles, GHF provides food on a first-come, first-served basis,” the lawmakers continued. “As a result, when centers open, large crowds of Palestinians rush to the centers. In these situations, there appear to be few restrictions on the use of lethal force by Israeli soldiers and American contractors in the vicinity.”

GHF is a aid organization with no prior experience in humanitarian aid and operates under opaque funding arrangements. GHF received a $30 million grant from the State Department, despite significant internal objections from USAID officials that the group’s funding plan failed to meet the “minimum technical or budgetary standards.” In their letter, the lawmakers criticize the organization’s lack of qualifications, noting that neither of the private firms contracted by GHF to manage distribution sites in Gaza has prior experience in humanitarian work, nor does GHF Executive Chairman Johnnie Moore, who is a close ally of President Donald Trump.

The full text of the letter can be found here.