Notwithstanding UN criticism and most humanitarian organizations’ rejection, a U.S.-backed group approved by Israel to take over aid distribution in Gaza claims to have begun operations and reports unexpected executive director resignation.
The cornerstone of a new relief system aimed at redistributing food, medication, fuel, tents and other supplies across Gaza since the war started in October 2023 away from aid organizations run under the U.N., is the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
Under guard of armed contractors, the new mechanism confines food distribution to a small number of locations where individuals must visit pick it up. Four hubs have been established for now, all near Israeli military stations.
Israel has insisted on a different strategy since it charges Hamas with aid being diverted. Aid organizations and the United Nations deny there is major diversion. Saying it lets Israel use food as a weapon, contradicts humanitarian values, and won’t be efficient, they reject the new mechanism.
For almost three months, Israel barred food, gasoline, medicine, and all other necessities from entering Gaza, therefore driving the area toward disaster. Saying it would let the U.N. distribute it only until GHF was running, it let in a trickle of supplies last week.
On Monday, the Interior Ministry under Hamas’ direction cautioned Gaza’s residents against handling GHF.
