Israel Considers New Approach: Empowering Aid Groups in Gaza to Oversee Non-Food Assistance

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The situation in Gaza remains critical as pressure grows for more humanitarian aid. Recently, Israel seems to be shifting its approach. Instead of controlling all aid, it may allow existing organizations to manage non-food assistance, while a newly created U.S.-backed group oversees food distribution.

This change follows accusations from Israel that Hamas diverts aid, a claim disputed by the United Nations and various aid organizations. The UN has voiced strong objections to Israel’s earlier aid plans, stating they could weaponize food and violate humanitarian principles. Since blocking food, fuel, and medical supplies for nearly three months, Israel has worsened the humanitarian crisis for 2.3 million people in Gaza. Experts warn of a potential famine, and even the U.S. has expressed concern over growing hunger.

A May 22 letter from Jake Wood, head of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), to COGAT, the Israeli military body responsible for aid, outlines a possible cooperative framework. The letter states that the GHF will manage non-food aid distribution, while food distribution will initially overlap with established aid groups.

GHF officials indicated that they lack the infrastructure to handle food distribution alone and expressed support for experienced organizations in supplying other essential items like medical supplies and hygiene products. Despite this, the GHF’s authority over food aid remains a point of contention, with many aid groups fearing it could lead to displacement for many Palestinians.

The GHF claims it has over $100 million pledged from an unnamed foreign government to support its efforts. However, concerns linger regarding transparency and the efficacy of using private contractors for aid distribution amid ongoing conflict.

Rabih Torbay, president of Project HOPE, confirmed a recent discussion with six aid organizations about the GHF’s plans, highlighting the need for unobstructed food access. Mairav Zonszein, an analyst from the International Crisis Group, noted that this letter signals a recognition of the dire situation in Gaza.

Experts like Ahmed Bayram from the Norwegian Refugee Council warn that Israel’s involvement in managing aid distribution can undermine humanitarian independence. The legal advocacy group TRIAL International has also begun efforts to ensure the GHF’s adherence to humanitarian principles, emphasizing its need for scrutiny.

The conflict escalated significantly on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, resulting in substantial loss of life and setting off Israel’s retaliatory offensive. Casualty statistics highlight a grim situation: the Gaza Health Ministry reports over 53,000 Palestinians dead, reflecting the urgent need for a robust and effective humanitarian response.



Source link

Israel government, Israel, Gaza Strip, Foreign aid, Benjamin Netanyahu, United Nations, General news, Israel-Hamas war, 2024-2025 Mideast Wars, World news, Politics, Jake Wood