With U.S. support: New Israeli Plan for Aid Distribution in Gaza

Israeli Plan for Aid Distribution in Gaza

 with U.S. support: New Israeli Plan for Aid Distribution in Gaza

Amid mounting pressure to bring more aid into Gaza, a document obtained by the Associated Press reveals that Israel may change course and allow aid organizations operating in the besieged enclave to remain responsible for non-food aid, while leaving food distribution to a newly established group with U.S. support.

This development suggests that Israel may backtrack on its plans to tighten its control over all aid to Gaza and prevent long-established aid agencies in the territory from delivering it in the same way they have in the past. Israel accuses Hamas of diverting aid for its own benefit, but the movement, the United Nations, and aid organizations deny this.

The United Nations has rejected Israel's plan, saying it allows it to use food as a weapon, violates humanitarian principles, and will be ineffective. Israel has blocked the entry of food, fuel, medicine, and all other supplies into Gaza for nearly three months, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis facing more than two million Palestinians in the devastated territory.

Experts have warned of a rising risk of famine amid mounting international criticism and outrage over the Israeli offensive. Even the United States, a close ally of Israel, has expressed concern about the hunger crisis in the Gaza Strip. The letter, dated May 22, was addressed by Jake Wood, head of the Israeli-sanctioned Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, to the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the Israeli military agency responsible for administering aid into the Palestinian territories.

The letter states that Israel and COGAT have agreed to allow the circulation and distribution of non-food humanitarian aid, including medical supplies, hygiene materials, and shelter materials, within the existing UN-led system. UN agencies have so far provided the bulk of aid to Gaza. The letter states that COGAT will retain control over food distribution, but there will be a period of overlap with other aid organizations.

The letter states: "Gaza Humanitarian Foundation recognizes that we do not have the technical capacity or field infrastructure to manage these distributions independently, and we fully support the leadership of these existing actors in this regard." The foundation confirmed the letter's authenticity. A spokesperson for the foundation said the agreement with Israel came after persistent appeals.

While the foundation acknowledged that many aid organizations still oppose the plan, it said it will continue to advocate for expanding aid to Gaza and allowing aid groups to continue their work in the territory. 

Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) declined to comment on the letter and referred a request for comment from The Associated Press to the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who did not respond. UN officials also did not immediately respond to requests for comment.