America announces food assistance plan for Gaza following diplomat's visit
In the conflict-ridden region of Gaza, a US-backed aid system, operated by Israeli forces and private contractors, has been met with severe criticism and controversy. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), primarily managed by two US subcontracted companies (Safe Reach Solutions and UG Solutions), has been accused of presiding over "regular bloodbaths" near aid points, according to Human Rights Watch.
The system, established after Israel tightened its blockade following October 7, 2024, Hamas attacks, has been marked by inadequate aid delivery, deadly violence, restricted access, and serious human rights and legal concerns. Investigations by Human Rights Watch have documented Israeli forces routinely opening fire on Palestinians seeking food at these sites, resulting in the deaths of at least 1,373 Palestinians since May 27.
The four distribution sites are located in heavily militarized and contested areas within Gaza, including the largely razed Rafah region and the Netzarim Corridor. None are accessible to northern Gaza residents, who must rely on separate UN-led distribution. The Gaza health ministry reports that more than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict.
International and UN officials strongly criticize the system, describing Gaza as a humanitarian catastrophe worsened by the militarized aid distribution failing to meet desperate needs. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for immediate action to end ongoing violence and occupation, warning that failure to intervene risks complicity in international crimes.
The Israeli military, however, maintains that any harm to civilians, including children, is strictly prohibited by international law. The military is currently conducting a review of reported deaths in Gaza. Meanwhile, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's Prime Minister, has vowed to destroy Hamas and rescue hostages seized in a 2023 attack.
The armed wing of Hamas has released an online video showing an emaciated and weak Evyatar David, a 24-year-old Israeli hostage held in Gaza. Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has urged Israel to provide humanitarian and medical aid to prevent mass starvation.
Amidst the mounting international pressure to end the bloodshed in Gaza, US envoy Steve Witkoff visited Gaza to gain a clear understanding of the humanitarian situation and help craft a plan to deliver food and medical aid. Trump has expressed a plan to "get people fed" in a phone call with US news site Axios. The BBC published an investigative report stating more than 160 children were shot in the war, including 95 hit in the head or chest.
The controversy surrounding the GHF system raises grave concerns over violations of international humanitarian law and the right to food for Palestinians. The system's militarization, combined with the blockade’s severity, has led to a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with civilians facing lethal risks as they seek food and aid.
- The controversy surrounding the GHF system in the conflict-ridden region of Gaza, which is accused of presiding over "regular bloodbaths" near aid points, raises grave concerns over violations of international humanitarian law and the right to food for Palestinians.
- The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for immediate action to end ongoing violence and occupation in Gaza, warning that failure to intervene risks complicity in international crimes and worsening the already dire humanitarian crisis.
- In the midst of mounting international pressure to end the bloodshed in Gaza and alleviate the humanitarian crisis, US envoy Steve Witkoff is visiting Gaza to craft a plan for delivering food and medical aid, as President Trump has expressed a desire to "get people fed."
