GoFundMe, a leading crowdfunding platform, is under fire for allegedly blocking millions in aid intended for Gaza.
Charity leaders and Palestinian activists have criticized the platform for shutting down or freezing withdrawals from Palestine-related fundraisers, claiming these actions prevent critical aid from reaching those in need.
The company has acknowledged raising over $300 million for both Palestinian and Israeli causes since the onset of the Israel-Gaza conflict in October 2023.
However, it has not disclosed how much of the Gaza-related funds remain frozen or have been refunded to donors, prompting accusations of opaque practices and selective enforcement.
The closures have had a profound impact on groups like The Sameer Project, a London-based mutual aid organization.
Its founder, Hala Sabbah, reported that over $250,000 in donations were refunded when their GoFundMe page was shut down, severely disrupting their work providing essentials like food, water, and medical care in Gaza.
The organization, which supports a camp in Deir el-Balah, had raised over $1 million through the platform.
Critics argue that Gaza-related fundraisers face disproportionate scrutiny compared to those for other causes, such as Israel or Ukraine, with lengthy review processes often leading to funds being paused or returned.
This has forced some, like the Sulala animal shelter, to create new pages avoiding explicit mentions of Gaza to bypass restrictions.
Activists and legal experts, including Amr Shabaik from the Council for American Islamic Relations, have accused GoFundMe of applying rules inconsistently, particularly targeting Palestinian campaigns.
Social media is rife with complaints about Gaza fundraisers being closed, while those supporting Israeli causes, including some potentially violating GoFundMe’s terms by funding military equipment, appear to face less scrutiny.
The platform’s compliance team has cited issues like incomplete documentation, but affected organizers, including Sabbah, insist they provided detailed records.
With Gaza’s banking system collapsed and humanitarian aid blocked, crowdfunding remains a lifeline, making these restrictions particularly devastating.
Campaigners are now exploring alternatives like Chuffed, which has facilitated smoother fund transfers for Gaza relief efforts.