US Aid Plan Set to Provide Nutrition for Just 60% of Gaza’s Population, UN Rejects Proposal | CNN

US-Israeli Plan for Humanitarian Aid in Gaza

Recently, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee shared details about a plan to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. This initiative aims to assist roughly 1.2 million Palestinians, which is about 60% of the population. However, Huckabee admitted that the program will start small and could take time to expand.

The newly formed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation will oversee this effort. It plans to set up four distribution sites staffed by aid workers, with security provided by private US military contractors. Huckabee emphasized that the distribution will be structured to keep aid away from Hamas, which Israel alleges has previously taken advantage of aid shipments to profit or redistribute inappropriately.

Current Conditions in Gaza

The situation in Gaza is dire. According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), essential supplies, including food and medical aid, are dwindling rapidly. They report that many basic necessities are running low, which disproportionately affects vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.

A recent UN report revealed that humanitarian supplies have hit critically low levels, pushing millions closer to starvation. Aid organizations argue that the conditions are exacerbated by Israel’s ongoing blockade, which restricts the flow of goods and resources.

Reactions from Various Parties

Reactions to the US-Israeli plan are mixed. While Huckabee insists that the effort aims to provide relief, Hamas has criticized the proposal, claiming it’s an attempt to manipulate humanitarian aid for political purposes. They call on the global community to prevent such measures, arguing that the plan would further complicate the humanitarian crisis.

The UN and other humanitarian agencies have raised significant concerns, stating that the mechanism might not adequately meet the needs of the population. They highlight the paltry number of distribution sites compared to the roughly 400 that functioned before the blockade began.

Looking Ahead

While planning for the aid delivery is underway, multiple stakeholders remain skeptical. There is no clear timeline for when the newly proposed distribution system will be operational, and some believe it might take weeks or months to make a substantial impact. Huckabee indicated that the implementation of the plan will not be perfect at the beginning and will need adjustments over time.

In this complex landscape, the humanitarian needs of Gaza continue to be a pressing concern. With ongoing debates over how best to deliver aid, it’s clear that many challenges remain on the road to providing the necessary support for civilians in this crisis-stricken area.

For further insights on the crisis in Gaza and the challenges facing humanitarian efforts, you can refer to UN OCHA.

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