Swiss Authorities Consider Investigation into U.S.-Backed Gaza Aid Organization

 

Swiss Authorities Consider Investigation into U.S.-Backed Gaza Aid Organization

Swiss authorities announced on Sunday they are exploring whether to launch a legal investigation into the activities of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.-supported organization planning aid distribution in Gaza. The move follows a request from a Swiss NGO, TRIAL International, which raised concerns over GHF’s aid plan, citing opposition from the United Nations regarding its impartiality and the potential for exacerbating displacement and harm.

GHF has stated it adheres to humanitarian principles and opposes forced civilian relocation. The organization aims to begin operations in Gaza by the end of May. Switzerland’s Federal Supervisory Authority for Foundations and the Foreign Department (FDFA) confirmed receiving submissions requesting an investigation into whether GHF complies with Swiss law and international humanitarian standards, including the use of private security companies for aid delivery.

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The FDFA is examining whether a declaration for using private security firms is legally required for the foundation. GHF asserts that involving private security helps prevent aid diversion to Hamas or criminal groups.

This development occurs amid ongoing limited aid deliveries to Gaza, which Israel has permitted since halting all aid in March, amid a complex and tense humanitarian situation in the region.