Key US delegation heads to Gaza to evaluate food relief efforts amid crisis

With the humanitarian crisis in Gaza drawing urgent global attention, President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee are preparing to visit the region to assess aid distribution efforts firsthand.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on July 31 that Witkoff and Huckabee will enter Gaza on August 1 to inspect existing food distribution sites and develop a plan to increase aid delivery. Following their visit, they will report directly to President Trump to finalise the U.S. strategy for supporting civilians in Gaza.

This move follows President Trump’s recent remarks about setting up new, accessible food centres in Gaza without barriers, signalling a renewed focus on addressing the worsening hunger crisis. Trump also expressed hope that European allies will collaborate on the initiative, expecting the plan to be operational “very soon.” However, details of this new approach remain scarce, with both the White House and State Department withholding specifics.

Central to U.S. efforts is the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a controversial American nonprofit now responsible for distributing the bulk of aid entering Gaza. Despite opposition from the United Nations and numerous humanitarian groups, the GHF took over aid distribution on May 27, following an 11-week Israeli blockade. Israel supports the foundation, accusing Hamas of diverting UN aid for militant purposes — a charge Hamas denies.

The GHF has faced harsh criticism. Over 160 charities and NGOs recently called for its closure, citing over 500 Palestinian deaths at its distribution sites and accusing it of violating international humanitarian law. Nevertheless, the Trump administration continues to endorse the GHF, arguing it is the only organisation capable of preventing aid from reaching Hamas.

The U.S. has pledged $30 million to support GHF’s work, with funds expected to be released soon. Currently, the foundation operates only four distribution centres across Gaza, and while officials say expansion is possible, there is no evidence the administration is actively planning to scale up its operations.

Witkoff’s visit comes shortly after his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on July 29, underscoring ongoing diplomatic efforts amid one of the most pressing humanitarian crises in the region.

By Tamilla Hasanova