A newly formed group of American security contractors, ex-military officers, and humanitarian officials is proposing to take over the distribution of aid in Gaza through a plan modeled on Israeli designs, raising alarm among aid agencies and the UN.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), registered in Geneva, submitted a 14-page proposal to international bodies this week outlining a system to replace the current UN-led aid network. The plan suggests distributing aid via four hubs in Gaza, each guarded by private security contractors. The aim, according to GHF, is to ensure secure, efficient delivery of food, water, hygiene kits, and medical supplies.
As seen by the Associated Press, the proposal names a 10-member leadership team, including former UN World Food Program chief David Beasley, although his role has not been finalized. A US official confirmed the proposal’s authenticity, and a source said the Trump administration supports the initiative.
Critics, however, fear the new system would forcibly displace Palestinians by pushing them to aid hubs and undermining humanitarian neutrality. UN agencies and aid groups have denounced similar Israeli proposals as attempts to "weaponize aid."
Shaina Low of the Norwegian Refugee Council warned the plan could “depopulate entire parts of Gaza,” while the UN agency for Palestinian refugees described it as logistically unworkable.
Israel has imposed a near-total blockade on Gaza for over 10 weeks and insists that aid distribution must align with its security demands. It has yet to comment on GHF’s plan.
Whether GHF’s proposed system will gain traction remains uncertain, as global pressure mounts to ease the humanitarian crisis faced by Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), registered in Geneva, submitted a 14-page proposal to international bodies this week outlining a system to replace the current UN-led aid network. The plan suggests distributing aid via four hubs in Gaza, each guarded by private security contractors. The aim, according to GHF, is to ensure secure, efficient delivery of food, water, hygiene kits, and medical supplies.
As seen by the Associated Press, the proposal names a 10-member leadership team, including former UN World Food Program chief David Beasley, although his role has not been finalized. A US official confirmed the proposal’s authenticity, and a source said the Trump administration supports the initiative.
🚨NEW | The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) — For Aid and Occupation
— Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) May 8, 2025
A newly formed and U.S.-backed private foundation forms the backbone of Israel’s new plan to control all humanitarian aid entering Gaza—68 days into a total siege that has driven the territory into… pic.twitter.com/aX3YaFmwwO
Critics, however, fear the new system would forcibly displace Palestinians by pushing them to aid hubs and undermining humanitarian neutrality. UN agencies and aid groups have denounced similar Israeli proposals as attempts to "weaponize aid."
Shaina Low of the Norwegian Refugee Council warned the plan could “depopulate entire parts of Gaza,” while the UN agency for Palestinian refugees described it as logistically unworkable.
Israel has imposed a near-total blockade on Gaza for over 10 weeks and insists that aid distribution must align with its security demands. It has yet to comment on GHF’s plan.
Whether GHF’s proposed system will gain traction remains uncertain, as global pressure mounts to ease the humanitarian crisis faced by Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.
