Rafah, Gaza Strip – August 2, 2025 — U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff visited a key American-backed aid distribution site in Rafah on Friday, amid mounting reports of starvation and worsening humanitarian conditions across Gaza.
Witkoff, accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, spent several hours touring the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) site — one of three established under a new framework that operates outside the traditional United Nations aid system. The foundation has drawn international scrutiny over its effectiveness and impartiality.
The visit comes amid growing criticism of the humanitarian response in Gaza, where over 1,000 Palestinians have reportedly died while attempting to access food in recent weeks. According to UN data, hundreds of those deaths occurred in or near GHF-operated distribution areas, some due to crowd stampedes, others allegedly resulting from live fire.
Washington Responds
Speaking in Washington following the visit, President Donald Trump confirmed Witkoff’s mission was focused on humanitarian relief.
“There is real starvation,” Trump said, acknowledging the crisis publicly for the first time. “I spoke to Steve Witkoff. He had a great meeting with a lot of people, and the primary meeting was on food.”
Trump’s remarks marked a notable departure from recent Israeli government statements, which have denied a widespread humanitarian emergency in Gaza.
Controversy Surrounding GHF
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation was launched earlier this year with Israeli support, amid accusations from Israeli officials that UN agencies were indirectly aiding Hamas. GHF was designed as an alternative aid distribution mechanism, but the UN and several humanitarian groups have questioned its neutrality and effectiveness.
The United Nations has officially distanced itself from the initiative. A spokesperson reiterated that the GHF lacks internationally accepted safeguards for impartial aid delivery and coordination.
“Humanitarian aid must be neutral and delivered based on need, not politics,” the UN said in a recent statement.
Ambassador Huckabee defended the foundation after the visit, claiming it was more efficient and secure.
“GHF delivers food to people without interference,” Huckabee said. “Hamas opposes it because it bypasses their control.”
Aid Access and Safety Concerns
Multiple reports and video footage have surfaced showing chaos and violence near GHF sites, including incidents where Israeli troops allegedly opened fire on crowds. Aid workers and medical responders have also reported frequent stampedes, a result of the desperation among Gaza’s 2.2 million residents.
Malnutrition rates in the enclave have reached emergency thresholds, according to UN assessments. Several international aid agencies have called for an immediate and coordinated humanitarian corridor that ensures the safe and continuous delivery of essential supplies.
Efforts to establish such a corridor have repeatedly stalled due to political disagreements, border closures, and ongoing hostilities.
Looking Ahead
Witkoff’s visit signals a potential shift in U.S. involvement in the region’s aid response. However, critics warn that unless broader access and safety guarantees are established, isolated efforts like GHF will not be sufficient to avert famine.
Calls are growing for the international community to apply pressure on all parties to ensure humanitarian principles are upheld and that life-saving aid reaches Gaza’s civilian population without obstruction or risk of violence.
