Israel Plans Gaza Aid Control Amid Displacement Concerns

Israel has blocked aid deliveries to Gaza for two months, insisting it will not allow food, fuel, water, or medicine to enter until it gains control over distribution, which it claims is needed to prevent diversion by Hamas. Its proposals, which include military-supervised aid distribution through five centralized hubs and the use of private contractors, have been strongly criticized by UN officials and humanitarian organizations. Aid groups argue that these plans would enable military and political interests to override humanitarian needs, restrict who can deliver and receive aid, and potentially force large-scale displacement of Palestinians, which would violate international law. Documents obtained by the Associated Press reveal that Israel’s system would require all aid to enter through a single crossing and could bar organizations critical of Israeli policy. Humanitarian agencies have refused to participate in a system that gives Israel direct control, warning that Israel bears legal and moral responsibility if the blockade continues to deprive 2.1 million people of essential supplies. Discussions remain at a standstill as aid groups push back and Israeli authorities remain silent on the issue.