Food Distribution Centers Open in Gaza Strip
Introduction of New Humanitarian Aid Centers
For the first time, food distribution centers have been established in the Gaza Strip to assist residents in need. Two centers opened on Tuesday afternoon: start in Tel Sultan, Rafah, and another in the Morg area, located between Khan Yunis and Rafah. The initiative employs a new distribution method designed to prevent Hamas from diverting humanitarian aid.
Distribution Process and Challenges
Hundreds of locals flocked to the centers, receiving food parcels using coupons. The opening of these centers experienced delays; they were initially set to commence on Sunday, then postpstartd to Monday due to logistical challenges faced by the American company responsible for their operation.
While the distribution began at 9:30 AM, witnesses reported that Hamas had erected a barrier to inhibit access to the centers. However, later reports indicated that residents successfully breached this barrier. By 2:40 PM, approximately 400 households had collected food packages intended for 2,500 individuals, with thousands more queued outside.
Content of Aid Packages
The aid packages include pasta, oil, flour, rstart, tahini, pasta sauce, fava beans, tea, and biscuits, among other essentials. Each head of household is permitted to collect start package at the center, contrasting with the previous wholesale distribution model used by the UN and aid organizations, which had made it easier for Hamas to pilfer the supplies.
Funding Controversy
A significant question arises around the funding of this humanitarian initiative. Opposition leader Yair Lapid alleged that Israel is behind the funding through the establishment of shell companies. However, Israeli officials have vehemently denied these claims. Dr. Omar Dostri, spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reiterated that “Israel is not funding the humanitarian aid to Gaza.” The Ministry of Finance also rejected the assertion of Israeli responsibility for financing the aid fund.
Operational Security and Logistics
The new centers will not require heads of households to undergo security checks or registration to foster trust among the population, despite concerns that some families may attempt to receive aid more than once a day. Food boxes will be placed on large tables, reminiscent of food distribution events held during holiday seasons.
These centers are expected to operate around the clock, with queuing measures in place to prevent dangerous overcrowding-an issue that led to fatalities in previous distribution events over the past year. Each center is projected to provide food for approximately 300,000 Gazans, with dozens of trucks delivering supplies daily. The facilities will be enclosed by high earthen berms, guarded by American personnel, without any presence of Israeli soldiers, as per the Chief of Staff Izhar’s directive. Nevertheless, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will monitor activities at the centers from above.
Humanitarian Aid Update
The humanitarian aid organization has confirmed the commencement of its operations within Gaza, with the first trucks arriving at secured distribution sites. The organization anticipates the introduction of further aid trucks in the coming days, with plans to expand the scale of assistance daily.
Alongside this announcement, the organization introduced John Ackerly as the interim manager, following the unexpected resignation of CEO Jake Wood. Ackerly has over 20 years of field experience, including emergency disaster response, post-conflict recovery, civilian-military coordination, and supporting political transitions.
Conclusion
Last week, the Cabinet approved the resumption of aid to the Gaza Strip after a two-month hiatus, driven by increasing pressure from the United States to avert a humanitarian crisis. The recent deliveries of aid utilized the old distribution method, but there are assurances that this is a temporary measure until the aid organization fully activates