US-Backed Group Faces Hurdles in Gaza Aid Rollout

The US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), created with support from the Trump administration, plans to start distributing aid in Gaza by the end of May, as Israel temporarily lifts its two-month blockade to facilitate the rollout. The aid initiative replaces traditional UN-led efforts with a new system involving Safe Distribution Sites, coordinated closely with Israel to prevent aid diversion to Hamas. International humanitarian organizations, some Israeli officials, and many NGOs have raised concerns that the plan may be insufficient, could endanger civilians, and sets troubling precedents. Experts report that 100% of Gaza's population is now food insecure, with tens of thousands of children suffering acute malnutrition. Implementation is expected to be slow, as only a few sites will open initially, and many NGOs are refusing to participate due to restrictive conditions. Until the new system is fully operational, Israel will allow limited aid under existing mechanisms.