Kadyrov declares a unique humanitarian mission for Gaza
In a surprising turn of events, Chechnya's leader Ramzan Kadyrov has announced the launch of an "unprecedented humanitarian operation" for the residents of Gaza. The operation, organised by the Akhmat Kadyrov Foundation, has raised concerns and questions due to the involvement of several sanctioned individuals and the lack of transparency surrounding the operation's funding.
The Israeli Defence Forces recently announced 'first steps' of a plan to seize control of Gaza City, calling up tens of thousands of reservists. This escalation has led to a warning from Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), about a dramatic deterioration in the humanitarian situation and risks to malnourished children if the conflict continues.
The oversight of the humanitarian mission in Gaza has been assigned to Akhmed Dudaev, Chechnya's Minister of Press and Information, and Zamid Chalaev, commander of the Grozny special police regiment named after Akhmat Kadyrov. Both officials have been sanctioned by the US. Aimani Kadyrova, the president of the Akhmat Kadyrov Foundation, was first sanctioned by the US in June 2023, and the fund has been under sanctions since 2020. The EU added them to its blacklist in June 2024, citing support for Russia's military actions and so-called 're-education programmes' for minors deported from occupied areas of Ukraine.
Despite the sanctions, Kadyrov claims colossal volumes of assistance will be sent to Gaza. He announced plans to provide 50,000 portions of ready meals, 250 tonnes of rice, 200 tonnes of flour, 168 tonnes of sugar, 243 tonnes of pasta, and 500 tonnes of drinking water. However, questions remain over the scale and origin of the foundation's funds. Officials in Chechnya have spent ₽40.5 billion ($500 million) on military support since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, according to Chechen officials. This includes ₽4.5 billion ($56 million) in the previous six months alone.
Independent sources have not confirmed the crossing of the claimed shipments through border points in Egypt or Israel as of publication. The feasibility of delivering the declared volumes of aid amid ongoing hostilities remains unclear, as Israel has expanded its ground operation around Gaza City.
Despite the restrictions and concerns, several organisations have been permitted to engage in charitable activity in Gaza. The humanitarian aid campaign for the residents of Gaza, under the leadership of Aimani Kadyrova, is being organised by the International Red Cross.
This humanitarian operation has sparked a wave of controversy, with many questioning the intentions behind Chechnya's involvement and the transparency of the operation's funding. The UN and other international organisations continue to monitor the situation closely, urging all parties to prioritise the well-being and safety of the people of Gaza.
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