US Officials Inspect Gaza Aid Site Amid International Criticism and Civilian Casualties

US special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee visited an aid distribution center in Rafah, Gaza, on Friday, operated by the US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The visit comes as the international community raises concerns about severe food shortages and violence at aid sites in the region.

Ambassador Huckabee stated on social media that the visit aimed to "learn the truth" about the aid site, and described the delivery of more than one million meals daily as significant. However, the aid system has faced strong criticism from international organizations, with reports of starvation and civilians being shot while seeking food.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Witkoff and Huckabee would brief President Trump following their visit to finalize a plan for food and aid distribution in Gaza. Further details are expected once the plan is approved.

The visit follows a UN-backed report indicating famine conditions in Gaza, attributed in part to Israeli restrictions on aid. Local health authorities reported at least 91 Palestinians killed and around 600 wounded in the past 24 hours while attempting to access aid, with further incidents of gunfire at GHF sites reported on Friday.

The GHF was established as an alternative to UN-led aid distribution, with Israel supporting its continued operation and attributing violence at the sites to Hamas. In response to the ongoing crisis, France, the UK, and Canada have announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state, with the UK indicating it would do so in September unless Israeli policies change. Israel's foreign minister, Gideon Sa'ar, dismissed the possibility, stating it would not happen.

The US State Department has also announced visa-related sanctions on the Palestinian Authority over its support for legal cases against Israel related to the Gaza conflict. Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch accused Israeli forces of war crimes at GHF sites, alleging deliberate starvation and violence against civilians. NPR has not independently verified these claims.

President Trump expressed hope that Israel would ensure aid reaches those in need and prevent diversion by Hamas, emphasizing the importance of effective management. He acknowledged the US had provided significant aid to the GHF but questioned its impact, citing concerns about theft and distribution challenges. UN and other aid agencies in Gaza have stated they have not observed systematic diversion of aid by Hamas, attributing most looting to armed gangs.