Conflict in Gaza: Humanitarians Issue Grave Warnings over Israel's Revised Aid Distribution Strategy, Fearing Mass Aid Deprivation
Will Israel Ease the Humanitarian Squeeze on Gaza? After two months without supplies, Israel decided overnight from May 4 to May 5 to intensify its military onslaught on Gaza, while also authorizing a new method for distributing humanitarian aid.
: Israel's military action in Gaza: Israel's offensive in Gaza involves a substantial displacement of the population, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Israeli army's goal is to hinder Hamas and other armed groups from seizing free supplies and reselling them. However, UN agencies and on-site NGOs have declined to take part in this effort, strongly denouncing it.
"Numerous People Aren't Eating"
Israel purports that there is still enough food in Gaza to feed its about 2.4 million inhabitants. According to Olga Cherevko, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs spokesperson, living in the heart of Gaza City for several weeks, "Many people aren't eating, and this occurs during the ongoing clashes. It's pervasive insecurity throughout Gaza".
"Gaza is on the brink of ruin."Olga Cherevko further conveys
Cherevko, like all humanitarian actors in Gaza, has been informed of the Israeli state's aid distribution plan. The scheme would feature designated aid distribution points. American companies under the protection of Israeli soldiers will distribute restricted quantities of supplies to specific residents. "Most people will be denied aid because they have to venture into a military zone. They won't go due to fear of being attacked or killed by the Israeli army", contends Loai Nasser, head of the French NGO Super-Novae in Gaza.
Under international humanitarian law principles, actors responsible for aid are supposed to remain neutral and not engage in the conflict.
Enrichment Points:
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is severe, characterized by scarcities of essentials like food, fuel, and medicine due to a blockade in place since early 2025, leading to approximately 47,000 deaths and the displacement of 85% of the population [1]. Critical infrastructure, including healthcare facilities, electricity, and water systems, have been severely damaged or destroyed [1].
Organizations such as the UN and NGOs have been advocating for better access to aid and an end to the blockade [1][2]. The UN is actively working to improve aid delivery mechanisms, even offering a new UN mechanism to manage and monitor humanitarian relief in Gaza [1]. However, the effectiveness of any proposed aid distribution system depends on unrestricted access to Gaza, a challenge due to current restrictions [3].
Israel has used the blockade as leverage in negotiations to secure the release of Israelis held in Gaza [2]. The UN, along with numerous organizations, continues putting pressure on Israel and other parties to grant humanitarian aid access to alleviate the crisis. However, ending the blockade would most likely necessitate extensive diplomatic efforts and negotiations [1][2].
- The ongoing war-and-conflicts in Gaza have resulted in a severe general-news situation, with numerous people not eating due to the insecurity and uncertainty caused by the clashes.
- Despite Israel's claims of sufficient food to feed Gaza's population, this humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by the politics surrounding the distribution of aid, with some people being denied assistance due to the military zones and fear of conflict.
