Background on Key Players and the Situation in Gaza
The United Nations (UN) has announced that it will not participate in a new humanitarian aid distribution project in the Gaza Strip, backed by the United States. This decision stems from the UN’s principles of impartiality, neutrality, and independence not aligning with the project’s terms. The new initiative, called the Humanitarian Foundation for Gaza (FHG), is set to commence operations in late May, with the goal of distributing nearly 300 million food rations over an initial 90-day period.
Who is the Humanitarian Foundation for Gaza (FHG)?
The FHG is a newly established organization registered in Geneva, Switzerland, in February. Its primary focus is to distribute humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip, an area home to approximately 2.4 million people facing severe shortages since Israel restricted the entry of essential supplies on March 2.
US Support for FHG
On May 8, the US government declared its support for the FHG, opting to collaborate with this new organization instead of engaging with the UN on the matter.
UN Opposition and Key Concerns
The UN has been vocal in its opposition to the alternative plans proposed by Israel and the FHG, arguing that these proposals would exclude a significant portion of the Gaza population from receiving essential aid.
“The UN has a well-prepared plan ready to be implemented as soon as we are allowed to carry out our work,” stated Farhan Haq, the UN’s Deputy Spokesperson. “There are trucks loaded with 171,000 metric tons of food waiting to enter Gaza.”
Israel’s Stance and Recent Developments
Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the UN, acknowledged the US effort when questioned about the UN’s concerns. He clarified that while Israel would facilitate the FHG’s operations, they would not financially support it.
“We will enable and allow these efforts to proceed, even if some of them need to traverse territories under our control,” Danon explained.
Tragically, 120 Palestinians lost their lives in Gaza on the previous day, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Humanitarian Foundation for Gaza (FHG)? The FHG is a recently established organization backed by the United States, aiming to distribute humanitarian aid in Gaza.
- Why is the UN not participating in the FHG’s project? The UN’s principles of impartiality, neutrality, and independence do not align with the project’s terms.
- What is the extent of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza? Since March 2, Israel has restricted the entry of essential supplies into Gaza, affecting approximately 2.4 million residents.
- How is Israel responding to the UN’s concerns? Israel has agreed to facilitate the FHG’s operations but will not financially support them. They have emphasized that some aspects of the aid distribution may need to traverse territories under their control.
