The United States says that it has approved its first direct funding for a controversial Israeli-supported relief effort in the Gaza Strip and urged other countries to follow suit, AFP reports.

“We have approved funding for $30 million to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. And we call on other countries to also support the GHF, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, and its critical work,” State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott told reporters.

The GHF’s interim executive director, John Acree, welcomed the US contribution and said it was “time for unity and collaboration.”

“We look forward to other aid and humanitarian organisations joining us so we can feed even more Gazans, together,” he said in a statement.

Asked about the criticism of the operation, Pigott said the group has distributed 46 million meals so far, which is “absolutely incredible” and “should be applauded.”

“From day one, we said we are open to creative solutions that securely provide aid to those in Gaza and protect Israel,” Pigott said.

The financial support to the GHF is part of President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s “pursuit of peace in the region,” he said.