Against the backdrop of the Israeli government’s announced plan to militarily take over the Gaza Strip, starting with Gaza City, the Christian Zionist U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee told Fox News on Aug. 6 that the controversial U.S.-Israeli backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) is planning to significantly expand its operation in Gaza. From the existing four sites, it will reportedly establish a total of sixteen, including in central and northern Gaza, and operate 24 hours a day. Amidst reports of mass starvation and malnutrition, especially among children, President Donald Trump wants more food to get to more people, Huckabee reported, but also wants to make sure it doesn’t get into the hands of Hamas.
This report followed the visit to a GHF site in Gaza by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on Aug. 1, accompanied by Huckabee, after which Witkoff returned to Miami to report back to Trump, Axios reported. Unnamed officials familiar with the discussions told Axios that Trump was really upset about starvation in Gaza, wants children and mothers to be fed, but also wants other countries—Europeans and Arabs— to do more to contribute funds. The GHF is an “American” operation, this official said. It “has the support and cooperation of the IDF, but it’s not under their control.” Any significant expansion would require additional funding, to cover trucks, heavy equipment, additional personnel, including trained medical staff, security, etc.
