Israel’s Shift on Humanitarian Aid in Gaza
As the pressure intensifies to deliver more humanitarian aid to Gaza, Israel appears to be altering its strategy. It is reportedly considering allowing humanitarian organizations already operating in the devastated region to manage non-food assistance, while food distribution would be overseen by a newly formed U.S.-backed entity, according to a letter received by The Associated Press.
Changes in Aid Control
This development suggests that Israel may be reconsidering its previous intention to maintain strict control over all aid to Gaza, which would have restricted longstanding aid agencies from providing assistance in their customary manner. The shift is essential as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza escalates with the ongoing conflict.
Accusations of Aid Diversion
Israel has accused Hamas of misappropriating aid meant for civilians. Nevertheless, the United Nations and various humanitarian organizations have dismissed these claims, asserting that significant diversion of aid has not been observed. The U.N. has opposed Israel’s plan, asserting that it could permit Israel to use food as a weapon, contravening fundamental humanitarian principles, and questioning its potential effectiveness.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
For almost three months, Israel has barred food, fuel, medicine, and other essential supplies from entering Gaza, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis affecting the 2.3 million Palestinians residing there. Experts have warned of a severe risk of famine, and international criticism of Israel’s military actions has been mounting.
Even the United States, a key ally of Israel, has expressed concern regarding the escalating hunger crisis and its implications on regional stability.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation
The letter, dated May 22, is from Jake Wood, the leader of the Israel-sanctioned Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), addressed to COGAT, the Israeli military body responsible for overseeing aid transfer to Gaza. The document outlines an agreement that permits non-food humanitarian aid—such as medical supplies and hygiene products—to be managed by the existing United Nations system, under which U.N. agencies have delivered the majority of the aid to Gaza.
Control Over Food Distribution
While the GHF will oversee food distribution, the letter mentions that there will be a phase during which aid organizations will still be involved in food assistance. The GHF explicitly acknowledges its lack of infrastructure and technical capability to conduct independent food distribution and expresses its intention to collaborate with recognized humanitarian actors in this field.
Confirmation and Advocacy
The GHF has confirmed the authenticity of the letter. A spokesperson indicated that the agreement with Israel was established following sustained advocacy efforts. Although many aid groups oppose the plan, the GHF is committed to encouraging expanded humanitarian access and supporting the operations of aid organizations in Gaza.
COGAT has not provided comments regarding the letter and has directed inquiries to the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which has not responded to requests for statements. Similarly, U.N. officials have remained silent on the matter.
The Funding Uncertainty
Details about the financial backing of the GHF remain unclear. The foundation, which is not yet operational in Gaza, is led by security contractors, former military personnel, and humanitarian officials, all working under Israel’s auspices. The GHF claims to have secured over $100 million in funding commitments from an unidentified foreign government donor.
Implementation Plans for Food Aid
The GHF intends to manage food assistance initially from limited locations in southern and central Gaza, using armed private contractors for security during distribution efforts. Further distribution centers are expected to be established within a month, including locations in northern Gaza. The letter specifies that food aid will continue to be provided by other agencies alongside the GHF until a minimum of eight distribution sites are operational.
Concerns from Aid Organizations
Various aid groups have expressed significant reservations regarding the GHF and Israel’s strategy for managing food aid distribution. They highlight the risk that this approach could forcibly displace substantial numbers of Palestinians toward distribution hubs while emphasizing that the GHF lacks the capacity to meet the immense needs of the Gazan population.
Discussion with Aid CEOs
According to the letter, Wood from the GHF recently held discussions with the chief executive officers of six major aid organizations, including Save the Children and International Medical Corps, to outline the new proposals. Rabih Torbay, director of Project HOPE, verified participation in the call and conveyed optimism about continuity in delivering medical and non-food aid under the existing framework. Nonetheless, he urged that food assistance be allowed into Gaza without obstruction or politicization.
A CARE spokesperson noted that concerns regarding the GHF’s food distribution model had been articulated during the talks, reaffirming the necessity of employing established U.N. distribution mechanisms. They stressed that their involvement in the meeting should not be construed as endorsement of these plans.
Experts Weigh In
Mairav Zonszein, a senior analyst on Israel for the International Crisis Group, interprets the letter as indicative of a shared acknowledgment from both Israel and the GHF regarding the critical humanitarian situation in Gaza and the urgent need for effective aid delivery. He remarked that both parties seem to be under pressure to devise an operational aid mechanism, although the current arrangement may inadequately address the population’s needs.
Ahmed Bayram, who serves as the Middle East spokesperson for the Norwegian Refugee Council, expressed that Israel’s involvement in aid distribution could jeopardize the independence and impartiality of humanitarian assistance efforts in the region.
Legal Scrutiny of GHF
This week, the GHF has attracted heightened scrutiny, with TRIAL International—a Geneva-based advocacy organization focusing on international justice—announcing its intention to pursue legal measures encouraging Swiss authorities to oversee the foundation’s operations since it is registered in Switzerland.
A spokesperson from the GHF insists that the foundation operations adhere to humanitarian principles and are free from Israeli interference. They assert that their security staff is crucial for conducting operations in Gaza.
The Ongoing Conflict
The conflict in Gaza erupted on October 7, 2023, following an assault by Hamas-led militants on southern Israel, resulting in numerous fatalities and the abduction of hostages. The Israeli military response has reportedly resulted in over 53,000 Palestinian deaths, with the Gaza Health Ministry’s figures not distinguishing between combatants and civilians.
