In the Gaza Strip, the move by Israel to control aid distribution has raised alarms among international aid organizations. They argue that this approach, which includes a proposal backed by the United States, could exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in the region. The call for lifting the ongoing blockade that restricts the supply of essential goods into Gaza has become stronger as the blockade enters its third month.
The U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, announced an imminent rollout of a U.S.-devised aid system. However, this proposal faced resistance from the United Nations, which declined participation, condemning it as a system that “weaponizes aid.” The organization argues that it may prompt mass displacement among Palestinians, breach neutrality principles, and fails to meet the substantial aid demand.
Daily survival challenges have become a norm in Gaza, where thousands flock to charity kitchens, especially in southern cities like Khan Younis, to receive basic food like pasta. These kitchens represent the primary food source for the territory’s 2.3 million residents. Despite their importance, several have closed due to diminishing food supplies because of the blockade. Aid organizations warn that more closures are imminent.
Families like that of Raed al-Zaharna leave these kitchens empty-handed, pondering how to feed their children as supplies dwindle. The blockade, effective since March 2, halts food, medicine, fuel, and other supplies as Israel exerts pressure on Hamas to release hostages and disarm. This approach, coupled with resumed bombings and territorial seizures by Israel, has been labeled a “starvation tactic” and a potential war crime by rights groups.
The proposed new aid mechanism, sought by Israel to substitute ongoing U.N. and independent relief efforts, claims interference by Hamas in aid distribution though evidence remains unsubstantiated. The U.N. counters that its monitoring effectively prevents significant aid diversion.
“Aid should not be a bargaining tool,” stated UNICEF spokesperson James Elder. The straightforward solution lies in lifting the blockade to allow humanitarian aid entry and saving lives.
The forthcoming U.S.-backed system description, to be publicized in days, aims to operate independently from Israel’s distribution involvement. Private companies are to ensure security while Israel would maintain militarized perimeters. Echoes of concern about Hamas intercepting aid persist.
“I acknowledge imperfections, especially initially,” Ambassador Huckabee remarked, urging for the new aid distribution plan by a U.S.-supported entity, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). This organization, consisting of American security contractors, former government officials, ex-military officers, and humanitarian experts, proposes setting up distribution sites, safeguarded by private firms, serving a portion of Gaza’s population. Adjustments are anticipated for a scale-up.
Despite these changes, U.N. agencies and humanitarian aid workers are apprehensive about such restructuring, concerned about coercion and displacement. The necessity of maintaining existing comprehensive aid infrastructures is accentuated by aid officials.
Ongoing private dialogues with Israel leave much clarification needed, with claims of procedural farewells among global standards being raised by U.N. critics. This initiative is seen as potentially reinforcing dependency and control over essential supplies, thereby driving enforced displacements.
James Elder from UNICEF expressed that pivotal locations might force Palestinians to migrate to aid hubs, far-off areas for many. This could lead to severe consequences, especially among vulnerable groups like children or the elderly, who might struggle to access these hubs.
Aid strategies must prioritize existing expansive networks, negotiated over years, to efficiently meet Gaza’s vast demands. Oxfam’s Ruth James emphasized developing trust and requisite expertise for comprehensive aid delivery remains essential.
Ambassador Huckabee called for U.N. and other aid-oriented entities to support the new distribution mechanism. However, U.N. officials indicate unresolved concerns following several engagements with Israeli authorities, dismissing significant aid theft claims.
Jens Laerke of the U.N. humanitarian office reiterated that the root problem remains the blockade, obstructing essential aid truck shipments critical for addressing the pressing humanitarian crisis within the Gaza Strip.