Israel to Maintain Security in Gaza; No Assistance Provided
In the heart of the Middle East, a shift is underway regarding humanitarian aid distribution in the war-torn Gaza Strip. Spearheaded by the U.S., Israel plans to set up the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) to supply aid more efficiently and keep Hamas at bay.
"Alright, let's get this straight," says Mike Huckabee, the U.S. Ambassador to Israel. "Technically, it's a war zone, so we'll maintain military security. But we ain't gonna meddle in the distribution of food or getting it into Gaza. Hamas? Forget about 'em too."
Various charities have shown interest in participating, according to Huckabee, although he's keeping the names hush-hush for now. The mechanicals of this new setup will be shared in due time.
The GHF seeks to separate aid distribution from any military actions. When asked about dependencies between the aid delivery and ceasefires, Huckabee states, "The humanitarian aid is all about our ability to bring food to Gaza. Other factors? Not relevant."
Unicef has voiced criticism, though, considering this plan may intensify the suffering of children and families in Gaza. James Elder, a Unicef spokesperson, expressed concern, stating, "It seems that the plan will just add more misery to the people of Gaza."
Similar proposals are being debated, including a potential American-led transitional administration for Gaza. With aid volume controlled and no longer managed directly by the UN, this proposed system concentrates aid distribution to just four central sites, a significant departure from the traditional, more decentralized methods[1][2][3].
[1] According to reports, David Beasley, former executive director of the UN World Food Programme and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, is currently in talks to lead the foundation, potentially lending credibility to the setup and potentially encouraging UN and other aid organizations to work alongside the GHF[3].[2] However, international aid groups and UN agencies staunchly oppose the plan, claiming it violates fundamental humanitarian principles and risks humanitarians being involved in Israeli war crimes[2][4].[3] The proposed change restricts daily aid deliveries to 60 trucks, a fraction of what was allowed during previous ceasefires when hundreds of distribution points existed[1][4].[4] The reduced number of entry points and the introduction of private contractors and Israeli security to oversee distribution mark a significant departure from the UN-led previous system, sparking concerns about the decreased volume and accessibility of humanitarian assistance[1][3][4].
- The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), spearheaded by the US and Israel, aims to divert humanitarian aid distribution in the Gaza Strip, with the agreement to maintain military security but avoid intervening in the process itself.
- Mike Huckabee, the US Ambassador to Israel, has revealed that various charities have shown interest in participating in the GHF, although he has not disclosed their names yet.
- Despite criticism from organizations like Unicef, which expresses concern about increased suffering in Gaza, the GHF, if implemented, will concentrate aid distribution to just four central sites, a departure from the traditional, more decentralized methods.
- Reports suggest that David Beasley, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, may lead the GHF, potentially lending credibility to the setup and encouraging UN and other aid organizations to work alongside the GHF, despite international opposition arguing it violates fundamental humanitarian principles.
