Cindy McCain Under Fire Over Gaza Aid Management

WASHINGTON — Cindy McCain, widow of the late Senator John McCain and head of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), is facing mounting criticism over her management of aid distribution in the Gaza Strip. Lawmakers and former colleagues claim her oversight failures have allowed Hamas to divert or seize supplies meant for civilians.

According to reporting in the NY Post, almost all aid trucks entering Gaza in August—2,307 out of 2,309—were intercepted or looted, with tens of tons of food stolen since May. Critics have described McCain’s approach, including running the WFP remotely from Arizona, as highly ineffective and say her reluctance to secure convoys has worsened the humanitarian crisis.

A former U.S. national security official told the Post that McCain “has the ability to better coordinate with local partners to ensure aid reaches civilians but has not taken the necessary steps.”

McCain, however, has defended her actions, noting that aid is still insufficient and advocating for a full ceasefire to allow more humanitarian assistance into the region. Israeli officials have countered that aid deliveries have been adequate and accused McCain of publicly contradicting statements made during her visit to Gaza.

Some U.S. officials have already discussed potential successors should McCain resign, with former Ambassador Kip Tom among the names being considered. McCain began her five-year term at the WFP in 2023, following appointment by President Joe Biden and approval from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. U.S. taxpayers contributed roughly $4.5 billion to the WFP’s nearly $10 billion global aid budget last year.

The situation highlights ongoing concerns about transparency and efficiency in international aid operations amid ongoing conflict.