Chaos Behind the Curtains: Who is Really Responsible for Humanitarian Aid in Gaza?
Recent Developments in Humanitarian Aid Distribution
A significant change in the distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza has emerged, prompting discussions about accountability and management. An American military contractor, Safe Reach Solutions (SRS), has recently entered into an agreement with a lesser-known Palestinian company, “Three Brothers,” led by Mohammed Khuzandar, to oversee aid distribution centers in Tel Sultan, Rafah.
Response from Business Leaders
In the weeks following this agreement, SRS approached several prominent Gazan businessmen for assistance in staffing the aid distribution centers. However, these business leaders declined participation, citing concerns about the program’s nature. They argued that the initiative, backed by the United States and Israel, could result in the forced displacement of people within the enclave and expressed worries about potential violations of humanitarian principles and the program’s unpopularity among Palestinians.
Personal Accounts from Business Leaders
Suhail Shika, a prominent businessman and head of the Contractors Association in Gaza, shared his experience regarding SRS’s outreach. Initially, he believed the program would involve numerous centers to serve Gaza’s population. However, he was disheartened to learn it pertained to only four centers located in the southern region, labeling the initiative a “farce.” He stated, “Two million people, and you want to feed them with four centers? How?”
Additionally, Ahmad Helo, head of the fuel companies group in Gaza, recounted receiving a call from an unknown number where a person, claiming to be from an “American organization,” sought proposals for staffing two daily shifts of 40 workers each. Although he initially showed interest and submitted a proposal, Helo ultimately rescinded his involvement upon hearing widespread opposition to the project among fellow Gazans, fearing it would adversely affect vulnerable populations.
The Implementation of the New Aid Distribution Plan
The first day of aid distribution under this new program faced severe challenges, concluding in chaos. The distribution center in Rafah became overwhelmed, leading operators to lose control over the site. Thousands of desperate Gazans sought access to food, and the registration system quickly collapsed due to the overwhelming number of individuals seeking assistance.
Reports indicate that “Three Brothers” has been appointed as the “first interface with the population” at the distribution centers and has a long history of collaboration with the Israeli security establishment. The firm is responsible for managing recipients and organizing queues, raising further questioning about the implications of their involvement.
Controversial Endorsements and Denials
The company owned by Khuzandar was previously granted exclusive rights by Israel to import commercial goods into Gaza at the onset of the conflict, leading to concerns of monopoly over trade lstartnses. This has resulted in increased prstarts for consumers and sparked criticism from various Palestinian business leaders and officials.
Notably, the United Nations and the majority of international non-governmental organizations have withdrawn from participating in the program, which has stipulated that representatives from approved Palestinian families can collect aid at four designated centers run by the GHF, SRS subcontractors, and the Israel Defense Forces.
Background Context of the Blockade
This program comes in the wake of Israel’s complete blockade on Gaza, which lasted over two months, preventing the entry of food, medicine, fuel, and humanitarian assistance into the region. Just days before the scheduled rollout of the aid distribution, Jake Wood, CEO of GHF, resigned, declaring that implementing the initiative while adhering to humanitarian principles would be impossible.
Conclusion
The future of humanitarian aid distribution in Gaza poses many questions about ethics, effectiveness, and the potential for further displacement. With ongoing regional tensions and rising desperation among the populace, the management of this humanitarian initiative will require careful consideration and broader engagement with local stakeholders to ensure successful support for those in need