A newly established group of U.S. security contractors, former military personnel, and humanitarian experts has put forth a proposal to oversee the distribution of aid in Gaza. This initiative aims to replace the current system managed by the United Nations and other international organizations, utilizing approaches similar to those previously discussed by Israel.
Details of the Proposal
The 14-page proposal from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has been circulated among various aid organizations and United Nations officials. It outlines a framework for delivering essential supplies, including pre-packaged food rations, clean drinking water, hygiene kits, blankets, and other necessities, from four designated distribution hubs. These hubs would operate under the protection of private security contractors, and the foundation has expressed a desire to collaborate with the UN and other international aid entities in distributing the assistance.
A U.S. official, who spoke anonymously to discuss sensitive plans, confirmed the proposal’s authenticity. David Beasley, the former director of the UN World Food Program, has been identified as the leading candidate to head the GHF, although this has yet to be finalized. The official also indicated that the proposal remains subject to modifications.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
For the past ten weeks, Israel has enforced a blockade that restricts the entry of food, fuel, medicine, and other crucial supplies into Gaza, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis for the enclave’s 2.3 million residents. This blockade is part of Israel’s strategy to exert pressure on Hamas militants to release the 59 hostages currently held within Gaza.
Israeli authorities have stated that they will not permit aid to be delivered until a system is established that allows them to control the distribution process. A UN official voiced concerns last week, warning that Israel’s approach could “weaponise aid” by imposing restrictions on eligibility for assistance.
“They are framing (the plan) to fix the problem that doesn’t really exist,”
said Shaina Low, communications adviser for the Norwegian Refugee Council, which actively operates in Gaza.
The GHF’s plan includes establishing four distribution sites that could initially serve 300,000 individuals, expanding to support approximately 2 million people. However, the proposal lacks a clear timeline, raising alarms among aid workers about the rapidly diminishing supplies in Gaza.
According to the proposal, GHF would employ armored vehicles to transport supplies and ensure security at the distribution points. While it did not specify security personnel, it hinted that individuals with prior experience in the Netzarim Corridor—an area historically controlled by Israel—might be involved.
Contrary to the GHF’s claim that assistance would be provided based on need without eligibility criteria, concerns have been raised regarding Israel’s intent to screen aid recipients through facial recognition technology.
Aid organizations have expressed skepticism regarding the feasibility and impartiality of the proposed distribution model. Critics assert that it would likely result in the forced relocation of many Palestinians closer to the aid hubs, potentially displacing communities.
Despite ongoing efforts by the UN and other humanitarian groups to deliver aid throughout the Israel-Hamas conflict, various challenges—including Israeli military operations and restrictions on movement—have significantly hampered these initiatives. Additionally, instances of aid convoys being attacked by criminal elements have further complicated matters.
Humanitarian workers have voiced apprehensions about the involvement of private security firms, emphasizing the necessity for adherence to humanitarian laws and stringent oversight. Tamara Alrifai, communications director for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, has characterized the GHF plan as logistically unfeasible, questioning whether it can adequately address the pressing humanitarian needs.