• The US is actively lobbying the UN and allies to support a new Israeli aid distribution plan for Gaza.
• The UN and most aid organizations have rejected the plan, citing violations of humanitarian principles and international law.
• The Israeli plan involves vetted aid, designated corridors guarded by US contractors, and a newly formed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.

The United States is attempting to garner support for a new Israeli plan to distribute humanitarian assistance in Gaza. This initiative involves strict Israeli control over aid, designated corridors, and distribution hubs secured by U.S. contractors. However, the UN and numerous aid organizations have refused to participate, deeming the plan contrary to fundamental humanitarian principles and a violation of international law. This resistance highlights a significant conflict in approaches to addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

• What: The US is pushing for an Israeli-controlled aid distribution plan in Gaza, which involves vetting supplies, using designated corridors, and having US security contractors guard distribution hubs. The UN and aid organizations object to the plan.
• Who: Key players include the US government, the Israeli government, the United Nations, aid organizations (including World Central Kitchen), Danny Danon (Israel's UN ambassador), Steve Witkoff (President Trump’s Middle East envoy), and José Andrés (head of World Central Kitchen).
• When: The US effort is ongoing as of the article's date. Israel declared a blockade on Gaza in March. Trump plans to travel to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE next week. Trump said to expect a major announcement on Gaza “probably in the next 24 hours.”
• Where: The focus is on the Gaza Strip, with discussions taking place at the United Nations in New York, Geneva, and other locations.

The situation highlights a significant disagreement on how to deliver aid to Gaza. The US supports a plan that gives Israel considerable control, while the UN and aid organizations prioritize their independence and adherence to humanitarian principles. The success of any aid delivery system hinges on the cooperation of all involved parties, and the current impasse raises concerns about the well-being of the Gazan population. The role of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation and the use of US security contractors add further complexity and raise questions about transparency and accountability.

instead of having a dialogue with us or trying to understand what is the proposal ... the U.N. decided to put out a statement that they will not engage.

It goes against our humanitarian principles. It doesn’t allow us to feed with dignity.

The US push for an Israeli-backed aid plan in Gaza faces strong opposition due to concerns over control, access, and adherence to humanitarian principles, leaving the future of aid delivery uncertain amidst famine-like conditions. This plan, which involves a new organization called the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) and private contractors, aims to establish secure distribution sites delivering 1,750 kcal meals at a cost of $1.30 each. However, critics argue the plan contravenes humanitarian principles, is logistically unworkable, and could endanger civilians and aid workers. The UN and many aid organizations refuse to participate, fearing the plan reinforces control over life-sustaining items as a pressure tactic, potentially weaponizing aid as part of a military strategy. The US, however, expects all UN and international agencies to operate within the proposed framework. The controversy extends to the quantity of aid, with the plan allowing only a fraction of pre-war levels to enter Gaza, raising questions about how critical needs like fuel, water, medical supplies, and sanitation will be met. The involvement of private US security contractors adds legal ambiguities and concerns about accountability, potentially exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis. The ongoing dispute necessitates complex negotiations to address the urgent needs of the Gazan population while upholding humanitarian principles and ensuring aid reaches those who need it most.