Switzerland considers probe into role of US-backed Gaza aid group
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The activities of the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which plans to oversee aid distribution in the Palestinian enclave, have become a subject of scrutiny.
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Palestinian boys fill containers with water in the al-Nuseirat camp for refugees in the central Gaza Strip, on May 24, 2025 (AFP)
Swiss authorities announced Sunday that they are considering launching a legal investigation into the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a US-backed organization set to manage aid distribution in Gaza.
The announcement follows a formal request from a Swiss NGO, which raised concerns about GHF’s operations, concerns echoed by the United Nations, which argues the group lacks neutrality, promotes forced displacement, and puts thousands of Palestinians at risk.
However, GHF, which plans to begin operations in Gaza by the end of May, claimed to Reuters that it "strictly adheres" to humanitarian principles and rejects any support for forced relocation of civilians.
In response to international outrage over its blockade of Gaza, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted had driven the population to the brink of starvation, "Israel" recently allowed over 90 trucks into the territory.
However, officials have described this move as a temporary measure until a new aid framework, one championed by US President Donald Trump's administration, is put in place by the end of the month.
Swiss NGO seeks legal scrutiny of US-backed Gaza aid group
TRIAL International, a Switzerland-based NGO, announced Friday that it has submitted two legal requests urging Swiss authorities to investigate whether the Swiss-registered Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) is operating in line with Swiss and international humanitarian law.
The legal filings, submitted on May 20 and 21, were addressed to the Swiss Federal Supervisory Authority for Foundations and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), both of which confirmed receipt to Reuters on Sunday.
As part of the inquiry, TRIAL International asked the FDFA to clarify whether GHF had filed a legally required declaration regarding its reported use of private security companies to distribute aid and whether such use has been authorized by Swiss authorities.
In response, the FDFA stated it is examining whether such a declaration is necessary. It also noted that the Federal Supervisory Authority for Foundations is unable to assess a foundation’s compliance with its statutes until its operations officially begin.
GHF defended its approach, admitting to Reuters that it does employ private security firms, which departs from traditional aid delivery models; however, it claimed that this approach is aimed at preventing humanitarian supplies from being diverted to Hamas or other "criminal entities".
