Controversial Aid Centre Saga in Gaza: What You Need to Know
Aid centers will commence operations in Gaza – United States obstructs resolution passage.
Gaza and New York (dpa) - The spotlight is on the disputed Gaza Strip as aid centers, mired in controversy, are due to reopen today, following a day of "renovation work" aimed at the local population in dire need. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) remained tight-lipped about the exact reopening time on their Arabic-language Facebook page. With reports of deadly shootings against Palestinians at these centers, security was to be beefed up.
Unfair Stance, According to US Secretary of State
While this unfolds, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the US veto in the UN Security Council, preventing the adoption of a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and unfettered access for aid. Rubio asserted, "We won't back any measure that neglects Hamas condemnation and their demand to disarm and evacuate Gaza."
The veto was alleged to have strengthened Hamas and undermined persistent diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire. All other 14 member states of the Security Council voted in favor of the resolution.
This developments come amid mounting anxiety over the distribution of aid supplies in the blockaded coastal region, where over two million inhabitants are bracing themselves against hunger following Israel's imposition of a comprehensive ban on food and other aid deliveries for 11 weeks. Their intention was to pressurize Hamas to free hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 terror attack in Israel.
Deadly Incidents Galore
Israel temporarily eased the blockade on aid deliveries about two weeks ago. Distribution duties were handed over to the GHF, bypassing UN and other aid initiatives, posing safety concerns for civilians and contravening established norms of neutral aid, according to UN estimates.
Recent days have seen reports of deadly shootings at aid stations involving Palestinians. In response, the GHF asserted that they were doing their utmost to ensure aid distribution was as safe as possible. The GHF urged all Palestinians traveling to distribution centers to adhere to the Israeli military-designated routes for safety reasons.
Aid Centers Set to Reopen, But with What Changes?
However, the GHF's announcement fell short of providing details on whether all its stations would reopen and when exactly. Further information on operational hours would be shared once renovation and repair work was completed, they said. This lack of details may make it challenging for Gaza residents to plan their long and potentially perilous trips to collect aid.
On Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, the Israeli military reportedly targeted Palestinians approaching the troops and departing from the approved path. According to a Hamas-controlled health authority on Tuesday, Israeli soldiers shot dead at least 27 Palestinians and injured around 90 in the vicinity of a distribution center in Rafah.
An Israeli Army's Statement
The Israeli army justifies the diversion of humanitarian aid on the grounds that previous supplies were purloined by Hamas. However, Israel has not produced evidence substantiating the claim of systematic looting by Hamas, according to UN organizations.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will receive his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Saar, in Berlin today, following his commitment to provide further military aid to Israel in the Bundestag on Wednesday. In the morning hours, the CDU politician is scheduled to visit the Holocaust Memorial with his Israeli counterpart and place a wreath at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. Their subsequent discussions are expected to include Israel's heavy-handed military action and the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The conflict was ignited by Hamas and other Islamic terrorists' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in over 1,200 fatalities and more than 250 hostages taken. Since then, according to figures from the Hamas-controlled health authority, over 54,600 Palestinians have reportedly lost their lives in the Gaza Strip. This number does not distinguish between combatants and civilians and is difficult to independently confirm.
Key Facts:
- Controversy surrounding the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's aid distribution
- Deadly shootings on Palestinians at aid stations
- Israel's justification for realigning humanitarian aid due to Hamas allegedly stealing supplies, but with no evidence presented
- The Israeli military's clashes with Palestinians at aid distribution centers
- The GHF's being accused of breaching legal obligations in Switzerland, prompting its winding down of operations in the country
- Safety concerns due to the GHF's heavy employment of American contractors and the Israeli military's presence at distribution centers
- Lack of transparency regarding the funding and operations of the GHF, raising skepticism about its actions
- The GHF's future aid distribution strategy, safety measures, and independent verification processes remain unclear following changes in its operations and the controversy surrounding it
- In light of the controversy surrounding the GHF's aid distribution, politics and general news have become intertwined with war-and-conflicts, as concerns mount over the safety of Palestinian civilians.
- The UN Security Council's resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and unfettered aid access was vetoed by the US, causing debate in global affairs regarding the roles of politics, war-and-conflicts, and humanitarian issues.
