Get the Scoop: Fresh Plan for Aid Delivery in Gaza on the Horizon
Planned redistribution strategy for humanitarian assistance in Gaza - Planned agency for assistance in Gaza under consideration
In a bid to alleviate the appalling humanitarian predicament unfolding in the Gaza Strip, an international charity group is lining up a revamp of aid delivery to the sealed coastal region. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), as detailed in a 14-page document, plans to provide relief to 1.2 million Palestinians initially, supplying them with essentials such as food, water, hygiene kits, and more, via four distribution centers in Gaza. The ultimate goal is to extend help to over two million inhabitants of the region.
In this new approach, families will receive food packages with 50 meals, and aid shipments originating from various humanitarian organizations are expected to enter Gaza. The proposal entails the deployment of private security personnel to secure delivery routes and distribution centers. However, Israeli troops are excluded from any parts involving security and distribution. Acccording to media reports, the blueprint boasts support from Israel and the United States.
New System: Breaking the Hamas Hold
For nine weeks and counting, no humanitarian aid has made it past the Israeli blockade due to allegations against the Palestinian terrorist organization, Hamas. The Israeli military claims Hamas has been engaging in malpractices, such as selling aid goods at inflated prices or using incoming supplies to fund militants and weapon stockpiles. The new distribution system is designed to ensure aid reaches the beleaguered populace without Hamas intervention.
Old Schemes Tossed: UN Turns Down Israeli Plan
In ajoint statement, the United Nations and a number of aid organizations denounced a previous Israeli plan for its violation of basic humanitarian principles. Whether this criticism also applies to the GHF's proposal is yet unclear.
The GHF analysis reveals the wretched conditions faced by the civilian population in Gaza, who are struggling under crippling deprivation. Humanitarian channels have deteriorated drastically due to ongoing conflicts, misappropriation of aid funds, and restricted access. This has resulted in masses of aid failing to reach their intended recipients, leaving them in despair and potentially destabilizing the area.
New Blood on Board: Jake Wood and David Beasley Join GHF
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation will be spearheaded by Jake Wood, founder of disaster relief organization Team Rubicon and a military veteran. David Beasley, former head of the World Food Programme (WFP), is reportedly in talks for a position on the advisory board.
Big News Ahead: Trump's Upcoming Announcement
Before his Middle East tour, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a major announcement, likely centered on a new aid delivery plan for Gaza, sources say.
"We must extend a helping hand to Gaza. The people are in dire need of food and medicine, and we're stepping up to help," said Trump after speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, critics argue that the Israeli leadership bears the blame for the critical shortage of supplies, emanating from their military tactics.
Does Israel Violate EU Agreements?
The European Union is again questioning its cooperation with Israel in light of the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. If Israel doesn't adhere to the core principles of the Association Agreement at an upcoming foreign ministers' meeting, EU aid might be jeopardized due to concerns about human rights violations.
School's Out: Permanent Closures of UNRWA Schools in East Jerusalem
Six UN Palestinian refugee agency schools in East Jerusalem will be permanently shuttered, as per Israeli authorities' recent order. UNRWA Chief Philippe Lazzarini has characterized this as an "assault on children and education," leaving over 800 boys and girls stranded educationally. Police allegedly entered UNRWA schools in the Shuafat refugee camp in Arab East Jerusalem, instructing students and staff to leave the premises immediately. A UNRWA employee was also reportedly apprehended, with Israel accusing employees of UNRWA being involved in Hamas terror activities.
Additional Context:
- The Humanitarian Country Team in the Occupied Palestinian Territory opposes the Israeli-proposed plan, stating that it may obstruct aid delivery to large sections of the population, particularly the most vulnerable, and jeopardize the safety of civilians and humanitarian workers. The Israeli proposal is generally perceived as an attempt to circumvent Hamas involvement and concentrate aid distribution under Israeli military control.
- Humanitarian organizations like Oxfam, Save the Children, and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) have collaborated to raise awareness of the imperative for unhindered humanitarian access in conflict areas.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) anticipates a surge in diseases like cholera due to the worrisome hygiene conditions in the blockaded Gaza Strip.
- The Association Agreement between Israel and the EU includes commitments to adhere to principles of human rights, democracy, and rule of law.
Sources:
- Wessel, N. (2025, April 19). Israel's Gaza aid plan draws criticism from humanitarian community. Al Jazeera. Link
- Humanitarian Service Directory. User helpline numbers for reporting wrongdoing in Gaza, Palestine. SPHERE Project. Link
- The Commission has also been involved in the negotiations on the accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union, expressing concern over potential issues related to human rights, rule of law, and access to essential services, particularly in war-and-conflicts and post-conflict environments.
- Simultaneously, the foreign affairs committee in the European Parliament has convened a meeting to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, debating the European Union's response to ongoing issues such as migration, political instability, and lack of access to general news, crime-and-justice, and humanitarian aid.
- In solidarity with the international community, the Government of Moldova, aware of the dire situation in Gaza, has pledged to contribute to relief efforts by increasing financial support and offering emergency medical personnel to deliver aid in the region.
