A US-backed group, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), has started operations in Gaza, distributing aid to Palestinians despite opposition from the United Nations and most humanitarian groups. The GHF is a linchpin of a new aid system that shifts distribution away from UN-led groups.
New Aid Distribution Mechanism
- The new mechanism limits food distribution to a small number of hubs guarded by armed contractors, where people must go to pick up aid.
- Four hubs are being set up near Israeli military positions, with three located in far southern areas that have few Palestinian residents.
GHF reported that it moved trucks of food to its hubs on Monday and began distribution, although it did not provide details on the amount of aid distributed. The group aims to increase the flow of aid each day, targeting to reach more than 1 million Palestinians by the end of the week.
Context of the Situation
- Gaza’s population is approximately 2.3 million people.
- Jake Wood, an American leading the effort, resigned late Sunday night due to concerns that GHF would not be allowed to operate independently.
Israel demanded an alternative plan after accusing Hamas of siphoning off aid; however, UN and aid groups deny significant diversion and reject the new mechanism, arguing it allows Israel to "use food as a weapon," violating humanitarian principles and being ineffective.
Israel had blocked food, fuel, medicine, and other supplies from entering Gaza for nearly three months before allowing a trickle last week under pressure from international organizations. The Hamas-run government’s Interior Ministry warned Palestinians against dealing with GHF on Monday.
Background of GHF
The public launch of GHF occurred early last year, when it was run by American security contractors and ex-military officers, along with humanitarian aid officials who support both Israel and the United States. Following Jake Wood’s resignation as the face of the foundation, it remains unclear who currently runs GHF or how it is funded. The foundation claims over $100 million in commitments from the European Union, but it has not named its donors. The US and Israel have stated they are not funding it.
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