U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee and envoy Steve Witkoff traveled to Gaza to assess the humanitarian situation and the performance of a U.S.-backed aid distribution system amid acute starvation risks.
At a Glance
- Mike Huckabee and envoy Steve Witkoff visited Gaza’s Rafah region to observe operations of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.- and Israeli-backed aid distributor
- The United Nations and numerous aid groups have condemned GHF-run aid sites, citing unsafe, militarized conditions and high civilian casualties
- More than 1,000 Palestinians have reportedly died near GHF aid sites since operations began in late May 2025
- Gaza faces widespread famine: nearly the entire population is experiencing acute food insecurity, with significant child malnutrition and starvation deaths confirmed
- President Trump is considering expanding U.S.-run aid distribution inside Gaza, diverging from UN-led efforts
Aid Site Inspection in Rafah
On July 31 and August 1, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and special envoy Steve Witkoff traveled to Rafah, Gaza, visiting GHF-operated food distribution centers to gather first-hand insight into local conditions and aid delivery challenges. GHF, launched in February 2025, now runs distribution sites under American contractor and Israeli security oversight.
Watch now: Huckabee, Witkoff Discuss Gaza Visit · YouTube
Criticism and Civilian Deaths at Aid Sites
Human Rights Watch, the UN, and over 170 NGOs strongly criticized GHF, warning that its sites resemble militarized zones and pose lethal risks to civilians attempting to access food. Since GHF began operations on May 26, more than 1,300 Palestinians have reportedly died near aid-distribution sites—with approximately 859 fatalities linked directly to GHF locations as of July 31. The UN has refused coordination with GHF, citing violations of humanitarian neutrality and safety standards.
Famine and Aid Distribution Breakdown
Gaza’s humanitarian crisis intensified following a full blockade implemented by Israel starting March 2, 2025, which halted entry of food, fuel, medical supplies, and water. By late July, UN data and IPC projections indicated that nearly the entire Gaza population was suffering high or catastrophic food insecurity, with hundreds of deaths from starvation and malnutrition—particularly among children. President Trump has publicly acknowledged severe hunger—particularly among children—and is exploring direct U.S. involvement to deliver aid independently from the UN system.
Response and Political Context
U.S. officials, including Huckabee, have placed blame for the inadequate aid on UN inefficiencies and inaction—not on Israel or GHF operations. Meanwhile, multiple international actors—including the European Union and humanitarian agencies—have urged Israel to lift barriers to aid access and enable UN distribution channels. They also joined calls for independent investigations into the deaths at aid sites. Germany, France, and others have condemned the system GHF operates under and called for renewed humanitarian neutrality.
Sources
