Swiss NGO Demands Investigation Into GHF, US-Backed Gaza Aid Group Opposed by UN
Geneva (Quds News Network)- A Swiss human rights group has called on the authorities to investigate the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a controversial aid organization backed by the United States and linked to the Israeli government.
TRIAL International, a Geneva-based NGO, said Friday it had filed two legal submissions requesting a formal probe into GHF’s activities and legal status in Switzerland, reported Reuters. The organization, which is registered in Geneva, plans to control aid in a new delivery model in Gaza that the United Nations has rejected.
The UN has warned that the GHF plan is not neutral, violates humanitarian principles, and may expose civilians to harm. It has also said the model would increase forced displacement in Gaza. The UN has refused to participate in the plan.
TRIAL International submitted one complaint on May 20 to the Swiss Federal Supervisory Authority for Foundations. Another was filed on May 21 with the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). Both submissions demand an investigation into whether GHF complies with Swiss law and international humanitarian law.
“We’re asking Switzerland to meet its legal obligations under the Geneva Conventions,” said Philip Grant, Executive Director of TRIAL International. “There are very grave issues at stake.”
The NGO also requested clarification on whether GHF had declared the use of private security companies to deliver aid in Gaza — a requirement under Swiss law. It asked if Swiss authorities had approved this declaration.
Earlier today, a Haaretz investigation revealed that several Israeli businessmen are among GHF’s owners. The group has marketed itself as a US-based humanitarian organization.
On Saturday, Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter confirmed that Israel helped create GHF. He made the statement in an interview with PragerU, a right-wing American media outlet.
Israel resumed limited aid deliveries to Gaza this week, after halting all humanitarian access on March 2.
The growing criticism adds to international concerns that GHF is not a neutral aid agency but part of a militarized aid strategy shaped by Israel and the United States.
