**US Plans to Deliver Aid to Gaza through Private Firms Despite UN Concerns**
The US has confirmed its plan to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza through private companies, despite warnings from the United Nations that the initiative could “weaponise” aid and exacerbate the suffering of innocent people. The decision comes as Israel’s blockade of Gaza enters its third month, with malnutrition on the rise and over 52,700 people killed, mainly women, children, and the elderly.
According to US Ambassador Mike Huckabee, private security contractors will provide food and other supplies to up to a million people initially through “distribution centers” protected by Israeli forces. However, the UN and other agencies have expressed concerns that this plan could lead to more suffering for Gazans, particularly children, rather than alleviating their plight.
The controversy surrounding the plan has sparked debate among humanitarian organizations and governments around the world. UN agencies claim they have strong supervision mechanisms in place to prevent aid from being stolen or misused by Hamas, which has been accused of looting food meant for hungry people in the past. In contrast, the US initiative appears to prioritize security over aid delivery, with distribution points only accessible on foot and a limited number of lorry-loads entering daily.
**Concerns Raised Over Feasibility and Humanitarian Principles**
Critics argue that the plan is flawed from its inception, with many questioning how effective it will be in reaching those most in need. James Elder, spokesperson for Unicef’s UN children’s agency, said that the decision to place all distribution points in Gaza’s south seemed designed to use aid as a “lure” to forcefully displace Gazans again, adding that the plan would cause more suffering to children, not less.
UN officials have also raised concerns about the lack of transparency and oversight in the US initiative. The UN estimates that 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced by the war, with many fearing that this latest plan will only serve to further displace and marginalize Gazans.
**Global Reactions**
The UK’s Middle East Minister, Hamish Falconer, expressed grave concern over the Israeli announcements, warning that they could lead to a “dangerous new phase” in the 19-month-long war in Gaza. The US Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, briefed the UN Security Council behind closed doors about the new plan for resuming humanitarian aid delivery.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how effective this latest initiative will be in alleviating the suffering of Gazans or whether it will only serve to further exacerbate their plight.
