Thu Jun 26 15:14:13 UTC 2025: **GoFundMe Accused of Blocking Aid to Gaza, Sparking Outrage**
**San Francisco, CA** – GoFundMe is facing accusations of unfairly restricting and freezing funds raised for Palestinian aid, particularly for those in Gaza. Charity leaders, activists, and Palestinians are condemning the crowdfunding platform for shutting down or blocking withdrawals from Palestine-related fundraisers, alleging a bias against Gaza-related initiatives.
While GoFundMe claims to have facilitated over $300 million for both Palestinians and Israelis since October 7, 2023, critics argue that fundraisers for Gaza face disproportionate scrutiny compared to those for Israel or Ukraine. Hala Sabbah, founder of The Sameer Project, stated that over $250,000 in donations to her organization, which provides emergency aid in Gaza, was refunded due to GoFundMe’s actions.
The company claims its actions are part of a “standard verification process,” but has declined to disclose data showing how many Israel or Ukraine fundraisers have been closed compared with those for Gaza. Some Palestinian fundraisers have had their campaigns suspended and funds refunded or frozen during lengthy review processes. In at least one case a fundraiser found they were able to raise funds without mentioning Gaza or Palestine directly.
Critics point to examples of fundraisers for Israel, including those for military equipment and training, remaining active despite potentially violating GoFundMe’s terms of service.
GoFundMe defends its actions, stating that any suggestion of double standards is “wholly without merit.” A spokesperson said, “Any decision to remove a fundraiser from the platform is never taken lightly and is informed explicitly by our Terms of Service. Taking action like this is difficult, but it protects our ability to support people who are fundraising to help others.”
However, Amr Shabaik, legal director at the Council for American Islamic Relations (CAIR), argues that the issue lies in the “imbalanced application of rules,” leading to unfair scrutiny of Palestinian-related fundraisers.
Some organizations, like the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) Freelance Journalists’ Union, have had their fundraisers shut down despite providing thorough documentation. Others have switched to alternative platforms, like Chuffed, which they say have provided a more supportive environment.
The accusations come at a critical time, as Gaza faces a dire humanitarian crisis with limited access to aid and financial services. Some Palestinians say they feel as if “everyone is conspiring against us. They are leaving us to die slowly.” Some are saying that without regular aid flowing into the enclave, most charities rely on sending money via limited routes to intermediaries who will distribute essentials and medical supplies.
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