American veterans are delivering vital aid to Palestinians in Gaza, navigating threats from Hamas while working with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation to provide food and assistance to those in need.
American veterans are collaborating with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) to deliver essential aid to Palestinians affected by nearly two years of conflict. As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, these veterans are committed to ensuring that those in need receive the food and support necessary for survival.
Jason Murray, Scott Weimer, and Brandon Zielinski, all U.S. military veterans, are actively involved in GHF’s operations. They recently shared their experiences with Fox News Digital, expressing pride in their humanitarian efforts. “We kind of built a plane in flight… not even knowing where we were going to land,” Murray remarked, reflecting on the challenges they face in their mission.
Founded in May 2025, GHF began its work more than a year and a half after the onset of the war. The organization has encountered significant obstacles in distributing aid within Gaza. Murray noted that his military background has been instrumental in navigating these challenges as a volunteer with GHF.
Weimer described his involvement as a “natural fit,” emphasizing that his military experience, along with that of his colleagues, has equipped them to identify and utilize the skills of others effectively in this complex environment. Zielinski highlighted his past experiences with bilateral training, which often required overcoming language barriers, as beneficial in his interactions with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), who coordinate with GHF.
The veterans conveyed the urgency of the situation, recounting the desperation they witnessed among hungry Palestinians seeking food. They also noted the presence of bad actors, including Hamas operatives and gang members, who pose threats to those working with GHF, particularly local Palestinians.
Murray provided insight into how GHF collaborates with the IDF to maintain security during aid distribution. “From a security standpoint, our goal is to provide aid in a safe and secure manner. Hamas does operate in this area. Again, we know that,” he explained. The threat posed by Hamas is a serious concern for GHF personnel, who remain vigilant in their efforts to deliver assistance.
Weimer echoed Murray’s observations, stating that GHF personnel are acutely aware of Hamas’s presence. However, their primary focus remains on delivering aid to those in need. He praised Zielinski’s team for their ability to manage the overwhelming demand for food and assistance while maintaining composure in potentially dangerous situations. “I have never once seen any of us overreact to what would be, I think, to anybody, a very scary situation,” Weimer remarked.
Before commencing their work, Zielinski’s team typically receives a briefing from the IDF regarding the security situation over the previous 48 hours. He noted that the secure distribution sites (SDS) have evolved in response to the ongoing threats. “We’ve had pistols seen before, there’s been AKs seen before. There’s grenades that went off,” Zielinski recounted, emphasizing the need for vigilance. His team actively monitors patterns and reports suspicious activities to intelligence officials, contributing to efforts to identify potential threats.
When asked what the American public should understand about the realities on the ground in Gaza, the veterans urged for more informed perspectives. Weimer expressed frustration with media portrayals of GHF, stating that they are often “so far askew.” He encouraged his family and the public to seek the truth, asserting, “These people that are here, these military veterans that lived a long honorable life, we would never be a part of something [like] what I’ve seen in the media.” He described the misrepresentation as disheartening.
Zielinski emphasized the dedication of GHF volunteers, who are driven by a passion for helping civilians in need. Since its inception, GHF claims to have delivered over 160 million meals to Palestinians. Despite facing threats and criticism, the organization continues to call on the international community to support its mission of providing food and assistance to those affected by the ongoing conflict.
“Everybody wants to help, and everybody sees the reward for doing so… We all just enjoy doing it,” Zielinski concluded, highlighting the collective commitment of the GHF team to their humanitarian efforts.
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