American officials announce formation of fresh organization intended to oversee humanitarian efforts in Gaza, bypassing role of United Nations.
Kickin' It Old Skool: The US has reportedly plan to unveil a non-governmental foundation providing aid to Gaza, skipping over the UN in favor of direct assistance as Israel's two-month blockade has created critical shortages in the war-torn territory.
State spokesperson Tammy Bruce announced the foundation would make an "announcement shortly," without providing additional details. She clarified that the aim is to expedite the delivery of urgent food aid to Gaza, emphasizing its security from falling into the hands of organizations such as Hamas.
Israel's blockade on Gaza has caused UN agencies and other humanitarian groups to raise the alarm about dwindling supplies of vital necessities, including fuel, medicine, and food for its 2.4 million Palestinian residents. Israel denies a humanitarian crisis is unfolding, vowing to intensify its pressure on Hamas further.
Historically, Israel has been critical of the UN's involvement, viewing it as biased, and has barred work from the UN agency supporting Palestinian refugees. Bruce claimed that empty press releases and appeasement towards Hamas haven't resolved the question of food, medicine, or shelter for those needing it.
US President, Donald Trump, is rumored to make a significant announcement before embarking on a tour of Gulf Arab monarchies next week. Little concrete information is available regarding the foundation, though a Swiss listing reveals the establishment of the "Gaza Humanitarian Foundation" in February.
Stirring concern, Swiss newspaper Le Temps wrote that the foundation was recruiting "mercenaries" for aid distribution. Amnesty International's Swiss chapter voiced worry, questioning the foundation's involvement in Israel's illegal occupation of Palestinian territory, in violation of international law.
Israeli officials have hinted at further military action in Gaza, as its entire population has been displaced by the military offensive. The far-right Israeli Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, stated that the territory will be "entirely destroyed." This declaration has alarmed European governments, UN experts, and China, who have expressed concern over Israeli plans. The Trump administration, however, has been restrained in its criticism, casting blame on Hamas for the situation.
Since taking office, Trump has significantly reduced US international assistance.
(Rewritten from France 24 and AFP)
The Spill:- The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) is a newly-formed, US-backed organization focused on distributing humanitarian aid across the Gaza Strip without UN involvement.- The main purpose behind the GHF is to ensure that aid reaches those in need while preventing diversion to groups like Hamas.- The GHF intends to establish four Secure Distribution Sites, accommodating up to 300,000 people initially, with the ultimate goal of reaching 2 million residents.- The US is seeking international support and donations to fund the foundation. However, it faces opposition from the UN and major humanitarian organizations.- Critics argue that bypassing the UN may politicize aid and disrupt existing humanitarian infrastructure. Despite these concerns, the US remains committed to the initiative.
- The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a newly formed organization, is supported by the US and aims to distribute humanitarian aid in Gaza without UN involvement.
- The primary objective of the GHF is to ensure that aid reaches those in dire need, specifically Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, while preventing it from being diverted to organizations like Hamas.
- The GHF plans to establish four Secure Distribution Sites, capable of accommodating up to 300,000 people initially, with the long-term goal of reaching 2 million residents.
- The US is seeking international support and donations to fund the foundation, but faces opposition from the UN and major humanitarian organizations.
- Critics argue that bypassing the UN could politicize aid and disrupt the existing humanitarian infrastructure.
- The US remains committed to the GHF initiative, despite these concerns, in an effort to alleviate the challenges faced by the war-torn territory, particularly the critical shortages of food, medicine, and fuel.
- The unveiling of the GHF comes amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, as Israel's two-month blockade exacerbates the human rights situation and calls for urgent intervention and policy changes.
- The foundation's creation also highlights the US's disengagement from traditional UN channels, which raises questions about the role of politics in the provision of humanitarian aid.
- The situation in Gaza is unfolding, with education, self-development, and personal growth opportunities severely limited for its residents due to the ongoing war and conflicts.
- Meanwhile, the world watches as the crisis in Gaza continues, with political leaders, international organizations, and the general public keeping a close eye on developments.
- In a separate context, the world of casino and gambling continues its vigorous pace, with poker games and sports betting in European leagues like the Premier League grabbing the attention of crime and justice agencies, while also making headlines in the general news.
