The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an organization supported by the U.S., is gearing up to manage aid distribution in Gaza by the end of May. However, the United Nations has expressed concerns, deeming the plan biased. With an initial commitment of $100 million, the foundation aims to implement its aid strategy using designated secure locations but will have some cooperation from Israel.
This foundation was registered in Switzerland back in February. As per sources, it plans to partner with U.S. security and logistics firms to facilitate aid delivery. There’s mention of over $100 million in funding, though the origins of this financing aren’t entirely clear. A senior U.S. official has coordinated with Israel to expedite the foundation’s efforts, having addressed the U.N. Security Council earlier this month regarding collaboration with aid groups.
How is the plan structured?
Documents from the foundation indicate that operations will start from four distribution sites, each capable of supporting 300,000 individuals with essential supplies like food and water. Israeli representatives have stated these sites will be set up in southern Gaza.
U.S. companies will be responsible for getting the aid into Gaza, and once there, it will be handled by established aid organizations, not private entities. The Israeli ambassador to the U.N. noted some organizations have already agreed to work with the foundation, although their identities haven’t been disclosed yet. Moreover, Israel has signaled a willingness to increase the number of distribution points and assist those unable to reach them.
The foundation has also reached out to the Israeli military to pinpoint northern Gaza locations for additional safe distribution sites, aiming for them to be operational within 30 days. They have committed to protecting the privacy of aid recipients by not disclosing personal information.
Why is the UN out of this distribution model?
The U.N. has maintained that the U.S.-backed program fails to adhere to essential principles of fairness and neutrality. U.N. Aid Chief Tom Fletcher stressed the need for alternative proposals rather than rushing into potentially problematic plans. He indicated that the current structure may further complicate the dire humanitarian situation and might be driven by political motives.
What led to proposing an alternative aid distribution plan?
Israel halted all aid deliveries to Gaza on March 2 after allegations surfaced that Hamas rejected them, demanding the release of hostages in return. The conflict escalated after an attack last October resulted in extensive casualties and ignited ongoing violence. Following this, Israel introduced a new, controlled mechanism for aid entry, which was quickly dismissed by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who warned it could lead to severe restrictions on basic necessities.
In light of this deadlock, Washington has been instrumental in backing the newly formed foundation. The GHF aims to commence its work in Gaza by the end of May, even as Israel has permitted limited aid delivery under previously established systems. Recently, five trucks were allowed through, a development described by Fletcher as insufficient. The U.N. reported receiving clearance for around 100 trucks to enter Gaza.
How do existing aid delivery plans function?
The U.N. has characterized the situation in Gaza as challenging, attributed to military actions and access limitations. Nonetheless, they assert that their existing distribution model remains viable, especially as demonstrated during a temporary ceasefire in mid-March. Under that plan, Israel would approve aid shipments before they were transferred to the U.N. for distribution on the Gaza side of the border.
“We can revert to that system. We have the means to operate efficiently without needing to reinvent a new process,” stated U.N. spokesman Stephen Dujaric. Fletcher outlined the basic requirements to enhance aid delivery, mentioning the need for clearer, quicker access points and reduced obstacles during aid operations.
