US and Israel fund far-right groups blocking Gaza aid

Under U.S. pressure, Israel has pledged to deliver substantial humanitarian aid to Gaza. Yet, both countries have permitted tax-deductible donations to far-right groups that have obstructed this aid.

An investigation by The Associated Press and Israeli site Shomrim found that three groups hindering Gaza aid have raised over $200,000 from U.S. and Israeli donors. These groups, including one accused of looting aid supplies, are benefiting from tax incentives despite their activities.

Aid advocacy groups argue that these tax-deductible donations contradict the U.S. and Israel’s stated commitments to ensure the flow of essential supplies into Gaza. Donations continued even after the U.S. sanctioned one of these groups.

Tania Hary, executive director of the Israeli NGO Gisha, criticized Israel’s inconsistent aid policy, questioning its commitment to facilitating humanitarian efforts. Israeli officials did not comment, while the U.S. State Department reaffirmed its dedication to aid delivery but did not address the fundraising.

Israel claims it does not restrict humanitarian aid and blames the U.N. for failing to distribute goods in Gaza. However, the U.N. and aid organizations counter that military operations, internal chaos in Gaza, and Israeli inspection delays are the main impediments.

The three groups identified—Mother’s March, Torat Lechima, and Tzav 9—have obstructed aid by blocking trucks en route to Gaza. These groups have received tacit support from some Israeli leaders, including ultranationalist National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who supports non-violent demonstrations against aid shipments.

Mother’s March raised over $125,000 through the Israeli crowdfunding site Givechack and an additional $13,000 via the U.S.-Israeli site JGive. The group collaborates with Torat Lechima, which raises funds on its behalf. Tzav 9, before its recent sanctioning, raised over $85,000 through JGive.

These groups, linked to Israel’s far right, oppose aid to Palestinians while Hamas holds hostages and allege that Hamas misappropriates aid—claims disputed by aid organizations.

Mother’s March’s campaigns call for protests against aid deliveries, and its leader, Sima Hasson, has been briefly detained for blocking aid trucks. Israeli media have shown activists obstructing and damaging aid deliveries.

The U.S. sanctioned Tzav 9 for violently blocking roads and damaging aid trucks. Israeli police have made few arrests, although Tzav 9’s activities have reportedly paused recently.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office and the Justice Ministry, which oversees nonprofits, have declined to comment on these groups. JGive asserts compliance with Israeli laws and has frozen donations to Tzav 9.

The U.S. has urged Israel to ensure aid reaches Gaza safely and to penalize those obstructing it, deeming attacks on aid trucks by extremist settlers unacceptable.

Despite a recent lull in activities by Mother’s March and Tzav 9, Gisha’s Tania Hary warns these groups could resume disrupting aid efforts, emboldened by governmental signals favoring a complete Gaza blockade.

[Information sourced from AP]