Background on Key Figures and Relevance
Nearly 170 NGOs have called for an immediate stop to the current aid distribution system in Gaza, backed by Israel and the United States, which has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians according to the Hamas government in the Gaza Strip. The territory has been devastated by nearly 21 months of conflict between the Israeli military and Hamas, following a large-scale attack by the Palestinian Islamist group in Israel on October 7, 2023.
Who are the NGOs and why are they relevant?
The 169 NGOs include organizations from Europe, the United States, and Israel that operate in various fields such as health, food assistance, development, and human rights protection. These organizations are crucial in providing aid and support to the Palestinian population in Gaza.
Current Situation and Controversy
The Current Distribution System:
Since late May, the aid distribution has been managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF), a shadowy organization supported by Israel and the United States. This system has been heavily criticized by the UN and most NGOs operating in Gaza, who refuse to collaborate with the GHF due to concerns about its methods and neutrality.
NGOs’ Demands:
In a joint statement, the NGOs demanded immediate action to end the Israeli-supported aid distribution program in Gaza, which they claim has caused numerous fatalities. They assert that over 500 Palestinians have died and nearly 4,000 have been injured while trying to access humanitarian aid distribution points managed by the GHF in less than four weeks.
Conflicting Reports on Deaths
The Gaza Health Ministry, controlled by Hamas, reports that more than 550 Palestinians have died under these circumstances. Meanwhile, the Israeli military acknowledged firing at Palestinians near aid distribution sites, claiming their behavior posed a “threat.”
Historical Context and Previous Distribution System
Previous Aid Distribution System:
Until March, the distribution of aid was overseen by multiple NGOs and UN agencies. The recent shift to the GHF-managed system has raised concerns about transparency, accountability, and neutrality.
Why the Previous System Matters
The previous system, managed by various NGOs and UN agencies, was widely regarded as more transparent and neutral. The NGOs are now calling for the reinstatement of this system, arguing that it would better serve the needs of the Palestinian population in Gaza.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current issue? NGOs are demanding an immediate halt to the aid distribution system in Gaza, which they claim has led to numerous deaths and injuries due to the opaque and non-neutral Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF).
- Who are the NGOs involved? The participating NGOs include organizations from Europe, the United States, and Israel that operate in various sectors such as health, food assistance, development, and human rights protection.
- Why is the previous distribution system relevant? The previous system, managed by multiple NGOs and UN agencies until March, was considered more transparent and neutral. The NGOs are advocating for its reinstatement to better serve the needs of the Palestinian population in Gaza.
- What are the conflicting reports on deaths? The Gaza Health Ministry, controlled by Hamas, reports over 550 deaths. The Israeli military acknowledges firing at Palestinians near aid distribution sites, citing a “threat.”
