Top News

A new humanitarian aid distribution system coordinated with private U.S. firms is set to launch Monday (May 26) in Gaza, but Israeli media have flagged two major concerns, warning the system may fail to reach the entire population.

The plan calls for establishing four aid distribution centers — three in Rafah, in southern Gaza, and one in central Gaza — serving about 1.2 million people. Around 1 million residents in northern Gaza will remain without access, according to Israeli Army Radio on Sunday.

“Contrary to earlier plans, Gazans will reach the distribution centers without going through prior screening through the drains. This means that Hamas members will also be allowed, ostensibly, to enter the centers and receive assistance,” the report said.

Hamas has not yet commented on the reported developments.

The aid system is being implemented by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a newly established Swiss-based nonprofit reportedly founded by U.S. presidential envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, who is described by Israeli media as close to President Donald Trump.

Army Radio said the plan aims to speed the evacuation of Palestinians from northern Gaza to the south in preparation for displacement under Trump’s plan, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared as one of the war’s objectives.

Palestinians transport their belongings as they flee the northern Gaza Strip toward the south, along the coastal al-Rashid road on May 25, 2025. Rescuers in Gaza said eight people were killed and dozens more wounded in Israeli air strikes across the Palestinian territory on May 25. (Photo by Omar AL-QATTAA / AFP)

Mechanism’s launch date delayed

Israel Hayom daily cited unnamed Israeli political sources confirming the mechanism’s launch date was delayed from Sunday to Monday. Meanwhile, photos circulated last week by Yedioth Ahronoth showed heavily armed aid workers in flak jackets allegedly linked to the GHF operation.

Israel has kept Gaza crossings closed to food, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid since March 2, deepening a severe humanitarian crisis affecting Gaza’s 2.4 million residents. The blockade has pushed the region toward famine conditions, with many deaths reported from hunger.

Rejecting international calls for a ceasefire, the Israeli army has continued a brutal offensive against Gaza since October 2023, killing more than 53,900 Palestinians, mostly women and children.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over alleged war crimes against civilians in the enclave.

May 26, 2025 01:14 AM GMT+03:00