At least 38 people have died in Gaza during a lethal weekend, according to public health officials in the beleaguered territory. This increase in the death toll highlights the expanding humanitarian catastrophe overwhelming the area. As Israel intensifies its military operations, its objectives shift to eradicating Hamas’ military and administrative capacities and continuing efforts to release hostages captured during the October 2023 war.
Recently, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the military objective was full control of Gaza. In response to the deteriorating humanitarian situation and with increased violence, Israel has launched an emergency plan, working with private firms, for moving aid into Gaza. This plan focuses on a small portion of the locations with secure facilities across the south. We will get help to these communities quickly and efficiently. This method comes with a major downside. The approach has many implications for the accessibility of vulnerable populations.
Each household head in Gaza will be able to redeem aid boxes containing max 20kg. Each of these boxes are filled with nutrient-dense food items and hygiene products. Critics underscore the biggest obstacle this convoluted requirement imposes on families. This is no less true for the children who are already suffering from extreme malnutrition and disease as a result of famine conditions.
“How is a mother of four children, who has lost her husband, going to carry 20kg back to her makeshift tent, sometimes several kilometres away?” – Jonathan Crickx
In early May, Israel escalated its military operations in Gaza in service to this overall strategy. Even still, these operations have taken a toll. According to other recent reports, an Israeli strike on a school sheltering displaced people has killed at least 13 people and injured dozens others. UK local authorities have decried the attack as well, shining a light on the plight of civilians.
The other US-backed private humanitarian organization, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has struggled to achieve its mission amidst the chaos. In addition, Executive Director Jake Wood recently announced his resignation. He stated that he was no longer able to achieve the organization’s objectives if he was committed to maintaining core humanitarian principles. GHF’s original goal was to get 300 million meals out the door within its first 90 days of operation.
“Like many others around the world, I was horrified and heartbroken at the hunger crisis in Gaza and, as a humanitarian leader, I was compelled to do whatever I could to help alleviate the suffering.” – Jake Wood
Wood expressed pride in the work he helped oversee, including the development of a pragmatic aid plan that addressed security concerns while complementing established NGOs in Gaza. He finally decided that life-saving action in accordance with humanitarian principles could not be taken under the existing plan.
“It is clear that it is not possible to implement this plan while also strictly adhering to the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, which I will not abandon.” – Jake Wood
Worries about the new aid distribution plan have further been raised by humanitarian experts. Crickx argued that it would only compound the current pain of children and families who are already suffering in Gaza.
“From what we have understood, the plan would increase the ongoing suffering of children and families in the Gaza Strip.” – Jonathan Crickx
That picture is very much in flux. It’s imperative that all parties, including donors and recipients, uphold the specific intent of civilian protection and ensure assistance is delivered to the most vulnerable members of society. The road forward will not be easy. We need to work together in the short term to address the crisis in Gaza to make a real impact.