Israel under mounting international pressure to let aid into Gaza

A displacement scheme

The initiative, to be implemented through the newly proposed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation in cooperation with international partners and humanitarian experts, is designed to operate independently of the Israeli military, with security institutions ensuring the protection of aid workers during distribution. 

The proposed plan involves directing residents toward southern areas, requiring them to travel long distances to receive food, and subjecting them to stringent security screenings.

Hamas, however, appeared to reject Huckabee's statements outright, condemning his claims about aid control as "false and a repetition of Zionist lies already refuted by all UN organisations and agencies operating in the Gaza Strip". Hamas accused Huckabee of using such claims to justify Israel's displacement and subjugation strategies, which it says are being executed through a deliberate policy of starvation.

Since early March—following the conclusion of the first phase of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement, which began in late January—Israel has blocked the entry of food, medicine, and fuel. According to Gaza's Government Media Office, approximately 39,000 aid trucks are waiting on the Egyptian side of the border, unable to enter the Strip.

After the collapse of negotiations and Israel's refusal to proceed with the agreement's second phase, Israeli forces resumed military operations on 18 March, intensifying ground incursions in Gaza's northern, central, and southern regions. Israel later declared full control over the southern city of Rafah and imposed a complete siege from all directions.

This escalation has drastically worsened the humanitarian crisis, accelerating starvation, depleting local markets of basic foodstuffs, forcing bakeries to close, and triggering a surge in malnutrition—particularly among children.

Following statements from Huckabee, a 14-page document was released detailing the establishment, objectives, and operational framework of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. In its initial phase, it aims to set up four distribution centres to provide food, health, and medical parcels directly to civilians.

Each centre is designed to serve around 300,000 Gazans, collectively reaching 1.2 million—roughly half the population. The cost of one meal is around $1.30. Yet the United Nations and major humanitarian organisations working in Gaza have rejected the initiative, arguing that it risks enabling the forced displacement of Palestinians while failing to meet the population's urgent needs.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said it appeared "futile, incompatible with humanitarian principles, and will create serious security risks, while failing to meet Israel's obligations under international law".

Adnan Abu Hasna, spokesperson for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), told Al Majalla that during earlier phases of the war, the US had tried to establish a maritime aid route and alternative local relief structures, but these efforts failed to deliver results.

"No one can imagine how it would be feasible to operate through just four distribution points—mostly located in Rafah—each serving 300,000 people, especially in the absence of the UN system, particularly UNRWA, which has 13,000 staff, hundreds of centres, trucks, and the logistical capacity to conduct a large-scale relief operation."

Quietening criticism

Abu Hasna also criticised the plan's requirement for displaced residents to travel long distances to southern Gaza and undergo security checks before receiving food. "This will result in internal forced displacement to the south—specifically Rafah—which had already absorbed 1.7 million people," he said. "The idea that someone must prove they're 'secure' in order to receive a meal is extremely troubling."

While Palestinian and UN humanitarian agencies have firmly rejected the US initiative, it has been welcomed by Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar. Yet Palestinian political analyst Ismat Mansour felt that the US plan closely aligned with Israeli military objectives and may in fact help prolong the conflict.

"This plan intersects almost entirely with the Israeli army's goal of continuing and expanding its ground operations for months to come," said Mansour. "It offers a lifeline by easing the humanitarian crisis just enough to quiet international criticism, without addressing the core issues or the opposition of Palestinian and UN institutions."

Mansour further argued that the US proposal effectively sidelines established international humanitarian organisations with the experience and neutrality necessary to carry out such a mission. By ignoring them, Mansour said the plan "appears to prioritise political and military objectives over genuine humanitarian relief".

The recent Israeli announcement of the launch of Operation Gideon's Chariot appears to reflect understandings reached with the US administration aimed at softening global condemnation of the ongoing military campaign. The timing coincides with the expected rollout of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation and the limited entry of aid.

Analysts suggest the move is designed to prolong the conflict while mitigating the worst aspects of famine and medical supply shortages, especially given that there has been no ceasefire breakthrough or even a temporary halt in hostilities.