U.S.-Backed Gaza Aid Plan Rejected by the United Nations

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A U.S.-backed organization plans to begin operations in the Gaza Strip by the end of May.

The Gaza Relief Foundation will oversee a new model for distributing humanitarian aid in the Palestinian enclave. However, the United Nations has declared the plan lacks neutrality and integrity and confirmed it will not participate.

According to Geneva’s commercial registry, the foundation was established in Switzerland in February.

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A source familiar with the plan told Reuters that the foundation intends to work with two private American firms: UG Solutions and Safe Reach Solutions, specializing in security and logistics. Another source confirmed that the foundation has already secured over $100 million in pledges, though the origin of the funds remains unclear.

Dorothy Shea, the acting U.S. deputy representative to the UN, told the Security Council earlier this month that senior U.S. officials are working with Israel to enable the foundation to operate. She urged the UN and humanitarian agencies to cooperate, stating that Israel would allow the foundation to proceed but would not be directly involved in delivering aid.

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How the Plan Works

The foundation announced that it would start operations from four secured distribution sites: three in southern Gaza and one in the central area. Additional sites, including in the north, are expected to open in the coming weeks.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Thursday that the first distribution areas would be completed soon and that Israel plans to establish large “safe zones” in southern Gaza, where Palestinians could relocate for safety as the military continues operations elsewhere.

Gaza Relief stressed it would not participate in or support any form of forced displacement and said there is no limit to the number or location of its distribution centers.

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In a statement, the foundation said it would employ private security contractors to transport aid from border crossings to the secure sites, where it would be distributed directly by civilian humanitarian teams.

Israel’s UN envoy, Danny Danon, claimed some humanitarian groups have agreed to cooperate with the foundation, though no specific names have been disclosed.

The foundation added that it is finalizing procedures to deliver aid to those unable to reach the distribution sites, and stated it would not share any personal data of recipients with Israel. Furthermore, the Israeli military would not be stationed near the distribution sites.

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UN Refusal

The UN has rejected the U.S.-backed plan, stating it fails to uphold the core principles of neutrality, independence, and integrity.

UN Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher urged against wasting time on an alternative proposal, initially suggested by Israel. Addressing the Security Council, he warned that the plan could cause further displacement, harm civilians, limit aid to only one part of Gaza, ignore urgent needs elsewhere, and politicize humanitarian aid by tying it to military goals.

The UN says UNRWA remains the backbone of aid operations in Gaza, despite Israel’s accusations of incitement and employee involvement in terrorism. The UN has pledged to investigate all allegations.

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The Gaza Relief Foundation, meanwhile, defends its collaboration with Israel, claiming it seeks a pragmatic solution that does not violate humanitarian principles.

Why Propose an Alternative?

Israel has completely blocked aid into Gaza since March 2, alleging that Hamas was diverting supplies—a claim the group denies. Israel demands the release of all hostages captured during the October 7, 2023 attacks, which killed around 1,200 people and triggered a war that has since left over 53,000 dead in Gaza.

In April, Israel proposed a new monitored aid mechanism, but UN Secretary-General António Guterres swiftly rejected it, warning it would impose excessive control over food distribution, down to every calorie and grain of flour.

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Pressure has since mounted on Israel to allow urgent aid deliveries. Last week, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reported that 500,000 people in Gaza face imminent famine, equivalent to a quarter of the population.

With the deadlock unresolved, the U.S. backed the launch of Gaza Relief, which plans to begin operations by the end of the month. Meanwhile, Israel has resumed limited aid access under existing systems.

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How Aid Is Delivered

Since the war began, the UN says its relief operations in Gaza have faced major obstacles due to Israel’s military campaign, movement restrictions, and looting by armed gangs.

However, the UN insists its distribution system works—particularly evident during the two-month ceasefire earlier this year. Under this process, Israel inspects aid first, after which the UN transports and distributes it inside Gaza.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said Monday: “We can go back to that system. It works. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel.”

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He added: “We don’t need a new aid partner to dictate how we operate in Gaza.”

Fletcher concluded that what the UN needs from Israel is:

• the opening of at least two crossings (north and south), 
• simplified and expedited procedures, 
• no quotas or logistical restrictions, 
• protection for aid during delivery, 
• and the ability to meet a wide range of needs, including food, water, hygiene supplies, shelter, healthcare, fuel, and gas.

 

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