United Nations Declines U.S.-Supported Gaza Aid Plan Due to Perceived Lack of Impartiality
The UN Steers Clear of US-Backed Gaza Aid Operation
In contrast to the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's plans, the United Nations has declined to participate, asserting that the distribution scheme doesn't align with their core principles like impartiality, neutrality, and independence.
"We ain't playin' this game based on Israel's terms," declared deputy UN spokesperson Farhan Haq to reporters, highlighting their disapproval on Thursday.
Latest Updates
The US-aligned Gaza charity aims to begin operations in Gaza by May's end as outlined in a super controversial aid plan. This plan, critically panned by the UN aid chief Tom Fletcher as a mere "cover for more harm to Palestinians," is set to launch by the US-supported foundation.
In Antalya, Turkiye, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the criticisms and showed flexibility with the possibility of a different plan for aiding civilians, ensuring Hamas doesn't get their grubby hands on the aid.
"We ain't ignorant to the folks of Gaza's suffering, fam'ly. We're open to other options if they got a better plan," Rubio mentioned after a chat with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday.
UN's Counter Move
The UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs suggested that the UN has a robust, principled program in place, ready to distribute humanitarian aid and lifesaving services immediately and at scale across Gaza.
The trouble stirs over accusations by Israel that Hamas snags the aid, while Hamas denies these allegations. Israel has blocked all humanitarian assistance delivery to Gaza since March 2, demanding Hamas sets captives free.
The Situation in Gaza
A recent report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification initiative highlighted that the Gaza Strip confronts a high risk of famine after over a year of war-inflicted devastation, with about 99% of the area's nearly 2.1 million citizens at severe risk.
Foundation's Adjustments
In a bid to quell some criticisms, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has reportedly asked Israel to broaden the initial limited number of secure aid distribution sites in Gaza's south to the north within 30 days and permit the UN and others to resume aid deliveries immediately, until the foundation is set up.
Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon showed support for the efforts but clarified that the US, rather than Israel, will fund the operations. "We'll facilitate 'em. Leave the funding to the fund itself, led by the US," he stated on Thursday.
The US and Israel have appealed to the UN and aid groups to collaborate and join partnership with the foundation, but the funding sources remain unclear, with a Department of State spokesperson affirming that no US government financing would be directed towards the foundation.
Notwithstanding this, potential advisors like renowned former UN World Food Programme chief David Beasley are mentioned by a fact sheet circulating in the aid community, although as per a source familiar with the endeavor, he's not currently involved.
- The UN's Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has proposed a robust, principled program of immediate and large-scale humanitarian aid distribution in Gaza, countering the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's controversial aid plan.
- TheGaza Humanitarian Foundation, amid criticisms, has made adjustments to its plan, seeking Israel's permission to broaden the number of secure aid distribution sites in Gaza from the south to the north and allowing the UN and others to resume aid deliveries.
- Despite appeals for collaboration from the US and Israel, the funding sources for the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation remain unclear, with no US government financing directed towards the foundation, according to a Department of State spokesperson.
