Israeli-Linked US Contractors Manage Gaza Aid Amid UN Opposition

A new humanitarian aid delivery system to Gaza, known as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), has been established with U.S. and Israeli backing to bypass traditional aid channels like the UN, aiming to prevent Hamas from diverting aid. The initiative originated from Israeli officials and businessmen, including IDF reservists and venture capitalists, who sought a more controlled aid distribution model amid distrust of UN-backed organizations perceived as biased against Israel. American private contractors, some with military and intelligence backgrounds, have been contracted to manage aid delivery, raising concerns about the neutrality, transparency, and funding sources of these groups. The UN and human rights advocates have criticized the plan, warning it could exacerbate civilian suffering by limiting aid access and potentially facilitating forced displacement of Gazans. This new approach has been met with skepticism and opposition from international figures, including the UN Secretary-General, who urged for more substantial aid flows rather than limited, controlled distributions. Critics argue that turning humanitarian aid over to private military-associated firms risks militarizing aid and deepening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.