A new aid distribution system has been launched in Gaza, with its first hubs opening on Monday. This initiative comes from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which is backed by the U.S. and Israel. The foundation aims to deliver food to Palestinians who are facing severe hunger due to a blockade that has lasted nearly three months.
On the same day the distribution began, Israeli airstrikes tragically killed at least 52 people in Gaza. The foundation has reported that truckloads of food supplies are now being delivered, although they did not specify the number of trucks or the locations of the distribution hubs. It remains unclear how the recipients of the aid are being selected. The foundation has promised that more trucks will arrive each day, increasing the flow of assistance.
However, the new aid system has met with strong opposition from the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations. They argue that this approach could be misused as a weapon by Israel and question the effectiveness of the new distribution plan. Israel insists that it needs this alternative system to prevent Hamas from taking control of the aid, a claim the U.N. denies, stating that Hamas has not been able to divert significant amounts of aid.
The foundation started its operations following the resignation of its executive director, Jake Wood, who expressed concerns about the lack of independence in the foundation’s operations. The group has appointed John Acree as the interim leader. Composed of former officials from humanitarian, government, and military backgrounds, the foundation has stated that its distribution points will be secured by private security firms and that they aim to reach approximately one million Palestinians by the end of the week.
Despite the new aid efforts, the situation in Gaza remains dire. Israel has recently allowed some humanitarian aid into the region after a complete blockade that began in early March. Aid organizations have warned of a looming famine, emphasizing that the amount of aid received so far is far from sufficient to meet the growing needs of the population.
Hamas has publicly warned Palestinians against cooperating with the new aid system, claiming it serves ulterior motives. The humanitarian crisis has escalated, with ongoing airstrikes resulting in significant civilian casualties. Just recently, airstrikes hit a school-turned-shelter, killing at least 36 people, including many who were simply trying to find safety.
As the airstrikes continue, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is increasingly critical. Israel has renewed its offensive against Hamas, aiming to dismantle its operations and recover hostages taken during a previous attack. The conflict has already resulted in a staggering number of casualties, with reports indicating that around 54,000 Palestinians have died since the start of the offensive, including many women and children.
The situation remains tense, with Israel also planning to facilitate the migration of over two million people from Gaza, a proposal that has been rejected by both Palestinians and the international community. The military campaign has devastated large areas of Gaza and displaced around 90% of its population, many of whom have had to flee multiple times.
As the conflict unfolds, the humanitarian needs of the people in Gaza grow more urgent, raising questions about the effectiveness and morality of the ongoing military actions and the new aid distribution efforts.