An international aid worker has made serious allegations against United Nations agencies, claiming they are blocking aid from reaching Gaza. The whistleblower, who worked in Gaza during July, accused the UN of hindering efforts by both the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation to deliver essential food and supplies.
In a report submitted to the Inspector General of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the aid worker pointed to "gross misconduct and misuse of humanitarian funds" by the World Food Programme (WFP) and other UN agencies. The report also claimed that while there are some areas of severe hunger in Gaza, there is no widespread starvation or famine.
The whistleblower described instances where senior IDF officials offered support and coordination to UN representatives, only to be met with refusal. He stated that the IDF is actively trying to help the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation distribute food but is being obstructed by the UN’s lack of cooperation.
Furthermore, the report highlighted that thousands of tons of UN humanitarian goods are currently in Gaza, waiting to be distributed. The whistleblower urged for an independent investigation to determine whether the UN’s refusal to work with the IDF is a local decision or directed from higher up, potentially from the UN Secretary General.
A senior official from the U.S. State Department echoed the whistleblower’s concerns, suggesting that the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation poses a threat to Hamas by providing aid in a way that minimizes the risk of theft by the group. This official pointed out that aid diversion by terrorist organizations is a common issue in conflict zones, and emphasized the importance of ensuring that U.S. taxpayer funds are used effectively.
Richard Goldberg, a former official in the White House and National Security Council, criticized the UN’s actions, suggesting they are intentionally creating a crisis to undermine the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation and strengthen the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). He called for accountability and an investigation into the UN’s practices.
These allegations come against the backdrop of the UN’s controversial Oil-for-Food program, which was intended to help the Iraqi population but became notorious for corruption. The current situation in Gaza raises questions about the effectiveness and integrity of international aid efforts, as well as the role of the UN in conflict zones.
