TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A U.S.-backed humanitarian group, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), announced on Wednesday its intention to begin distributing aid in Gaza by the end of May.
As reported by Arab News, GHF called on Israel to allow the United Nations (UN) and other aid groups to continue their operations until the foundation becomes fully operational. GHF plans to distribute aid from designated “safe distribution locations,” but criticized Israel’s current plan for limiting access to southern Gaza only.
In a letter to Israeli authorities, GHF Executive Director Jake Wood requested that the Israel Defense Forces identify secure locations in northern Gaza within 30 days to enable broader aid access. He also asked Israel to maintain existing delivery channels during GHF's rollout.
“In response to concerns," Wood wrote, "the foundation would not share any personally identifiable information about aid recipients with Israeli authorities."
Aid to Gaza has been halted since March 2, with humanitarian agencies warning that nearly half a million people, about a quarter of the population, face starvation. Israel accuses Hamas of diverting aid, claims denied by both Hamas and UN officials.
“The aid we coordinate goes to the people for whom it's intended,” said Olga Cherevko from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, noting safeguards such as post-distribution checks and reporting hotlines.
Despite concerns, Israel has backed the U.S.-supported plan, which relies on private firms rather than UN agencies to operate a limited number of aid sites in southern Gaza. U.S. logistics contractors UG Solutions and Safe Reach Solutions are reportedly involved.
However, UN officials and humanitarian groups have raised serious concerns. “We have made clear our problems with the sort of aid mechanism that’s been proposed,” said UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, referencing strong criticism from UN aid chief Tom Fletcher.
GHF said Israel has agreed to expand the number of distribution sites and help reach civilians unable to access them. Israel’s mission to the UN declined to comment.
The International Committee of the Red Cross reiterated its concerns. “Humanitarian aid should not be politicized nor militarized,” said spokesperson Steve Dorsey.
"The level of need among civilians in Gaza right now is overwhelming and aid needs to be allowed to enter immediately and without impediment."
Details of the Aid Plan
According to a 14-page proposal reviewed by NPR, GHF(registered as a Swiss charity) will establish four aid centers providing food, hygiene, and medical supplies. The system is expected to reach about 1.2 million Gazans, roughly 60 percent of the population.
An Israeli defense official said civilians will need to move south into military-controlled zones to access aid. Many aid groups have declined to join the program, arguing it violates humanitarian principles by excluding parts of the population and aligning too closely with military objectives.
"We will not participate in any scheme that does not adhere to the global humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality," UN and aid partners said in a joint statement.
Critics say the plan dismantles the existing UN-run network of 400 distribution points in favor of just four, limiting access and raising fears of forced displacement toward Egypt.
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