From Israel to the United States: a shift in Gaza aid management
The Washington Post revealed on Saturday a major shift in the management of humanitarian aid directed toward the Gaza Strip.
The United States has officially replaced Israel as the main overseer of the humanitarian operation, as part of the implementation of U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan.
According to the report, the authority previously held by the Israeli military’s “Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories” (COGAT) has been transferred to the new U.S. command center in Kiryat Gat, which operates under the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The newspaper noted that the transfer process was completed on Saturday.
The Washington Post confirmed that Israel has now become “a participant in the dialogue only” and no longer holds decision-making power on key issues concerning the entry and distribution of aid inside Gaza.
A multilateral U.S.-led center
Sources familiar with the matter told the newspaper that the new center includes representatives from more than 40 countries and international organizations working within a single coordination room led by the United States. The first weeks of operation were reportedly marked by confusion and coordination difficulties among the participating parties.
The center oversees the entry of aid through the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza, while the northern crossings remain completely closed since early September.
The Washington Post added that Israel’s role has gradually diminished after Tel Aviv reduced the amount of food and fuel allowed into Gaza over the past months, sparking growing international criticism.
Humanitarian organizations’ reactions
Several international relief organizations welcomed the American move, calling it “a positive development” in aid management, but warned that the change would not be fundamental as long as Israel maintains effective control over border crossings.
Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, stated that “Israel is still obstructing some parts of the aid plan proposed by Trump,” adding that direct U.S. involvement is “very good news,” but that it puts Washington’s credibility to the test regarding its ability to turn promises into concrete results on the ground.
Increasing U.S. oversight of Israel
According to sources cited by the newspaper, the White House has intensified its
monitoring of Israel to ensure it adheres to its commitments under the ceasefire agreement. Washington’s main task at this stage is reportedly “to keep an eye on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu” and to ensure that military operations do not resume.
The same sources added that the U.S. military presence in the region is likely to expand as the Trump plan continues to be implemented. According to Washington, the plan aims to rebuild Gaza and to make the ceasefire permanent.
U.S. sources also reported that the volume of aid entering Gaza has gradually increased since the ceasefire took effect, with around 800 trucks entering the territory daily. However, aid distribution continues to face major challenges.
The newspaper added that members of the Hamas movement continue to seize aid shipments to redistribute them according to their political and military interests. The United States released a video last week showing armed Hamas members taking control of an aid truck belonging to an international convoy heading toward northern Khan Younis.
