The United Nations has strongly condemned an Israel-initiated, US-backed humanitarian aid plan for Gaza, calling it a “fig leaf for further violence and displacement” of Palestinians. Tom Fletcher, head of UN humanitarian assistance, emphasized that the plan distracts from the real needs of Gaza’s civilian population. The criticism comes amid fears that the ongoing blockade and food shortages in Gaza could lead to famine, with half a million Palestinians, or 25% of the population, at risk of starvation.
Since March 2, 2023, no humanitarian food aid has been sent to Gaza. According to a global hunger monitor, approximately 500,000 Palestinians face potential famine, with the UN warning that the situation is becoming increasingly dire. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsened after the war erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched attacks on Israel, resulting in the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis.
In response to the dire food shortages, Israel proposed a plan last week, suggesting that private corporations take over the distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza’s southern regions if a large-scale Israeli military offensive begins. Historically, UN agencies and foreign organizations have overseen aid distribution in Gaza, but Israel’s new plan has been met with sharp criticism from the international community.
Tom Fletcher, speaking at the UN Security Council, rejected Israel’s proposed aid distribution model. He referred to the initiative as a “cynical sideshow” and a “deliberate distraction” that aims to downplay the larger issue of Palestinian displacement and suffering. Fletcher emphasized that the UN has been ready to deliver aid through established, reliable mechanisms but has been denied access by Israeli authorities, who prioritize military objectives over humanitarian needs.
“We can save hundreds of thousands of survivors, but Israel denies us access, placing the objective of depopulating Gaza before the lives of civilians,” Fletcher stated. The UN has raised concerns about Israel’s refusal to allow humanitarian aid to reach all areas of Gaza, particularly in the northern parts where the need is greatest. Israel has justified this by accusing Hamas of diverting aid, a claim the militant group denies.
On the other hand, Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, have endorsed the US-backed humanitarian plan. This new model would see aid distributed by a private fund, directly benefiting Gaza’s civilian population while bypassing Hamas. “Hamas must not be allowed to get their hands on this aid,” Sa’ar said during an official visit to Japan.
The United States has backed Israel’s stance, with senior US officials working with Israel to create a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. The foundation’s objective is to establish a “secure mechanism” capable of delivering aid directly to civilians without Hamas interference. Acting US Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, emphasized that the foundation would adhere to humanitarian principles and ensure the security of aid deliveries.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also voiced concerns about the proposed plan, stating that it risks limiting the amount of aid reaching Gaza’s population. Guterres warned that the model would reduce aid to the “last calorie and grain of flour,” undermining the effectiveness of the humanitarian response. The UN insists that any aid distribution must remain independent, impartial, and neutral, in line with its guiding humanitarian principles.
Despite multiple meetings between the UN and Israeli authorities to discuss a feasible aid distribution plan, the situation remains unresolved. Fletcher explained that the minimum conditions for any aid effort include the ability to deliver assistance to all areas of Gaza, regardless of political or military considerations. However, Israel’s insistence on limiting aid to the southern parts of Gaza during its ongoing offensive has led to a humanitarian stalemate.
The lack of progress has prompted growing concern among UN member states. A joint statement issued by Britain, France, Slovenia, Greece, and Denmark stressed that they cannot support any aid distribution plan that prioritizes political or military objectives over the needs of civilians.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has escalated since the outbreak of the war in October 2023. More than 52,700 Palestinians have been killed, and millions remain without access to basic necessities like food, water, and medical care. The situation has been exacerbated by Israel’s blockade and military actions, which have cut off vital supplies to Gaza’s population.
Fletcher criticized the Israeli-designed aid distribution model, noting that it would further displace vulnerable populations and expose them to greater harm. “It forces further displacement. It exposes thousands of people to harm,” Fletcher said, emphasizing that restricting aid to only one part of Gaza would leave other regions in desperate need of assistance.
As the debate over Gaza’s aid distribution continues, the international community remains divided. While some countries and humanitarian organizations are in favor of the US-Israel model, others, including the UN, are calling for a more inclusive and independent approach that ensures aid reaches all Palestinians in need, without being subjected to political or military manipulation.
The conflict in Gaza is far from over, and as the death toll continues to rise, the need for impartial, effective humanitarian aid remains critical. The situation calls for a solution that prioritizes the lives and well-being of Gaza’s civilians over political and military interests. Without a breakthrough, the threat of famine and further displacement will continue to loom over the Palestinian population.
The UN’s rejection of the Israel-US aid plan highlights the deepening divide over how to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. While the US and Israel argue that their model will ensure aid reaches civilians without Hamas interference, the UN and other international actors warn that it could exacerbate the suffering of Gaza’s population. As the situation unfolds, the global community faces a critical challenge in balancing security concerns with the urgent need for humanitarian assistance.
