Gaza: A US aid group is set to open a new distribution point in the central Gaza Strip, according to Israeli media reports. This development comes after previous attempts to distribute aid to desperate Palestinians in southern Gaza encountered significant challenges.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) will be establishing its third distribution point in central Gaza, specifically south of the Netzarim Corridor, as reported by Israel's Army Radio. This corridor, established by Israel, serves as a dividing line between northern and southern Gaza. The GHF had earlier opened two distribution points in Rafah, a city in the southern part of the territory.
The new distribution point is intended to serve approximately 500,000 Palestinians residing in central Gaza, based on estimates from the Israeli military. The point is expected to provide food and humanitarian aid to 300,000 Palestinians on a weekly basis. Israel's strategy for aid distribution in Gaza, as reported by the radio, includes an aim to depopulate the northern region of the territory.
The distribution efforts by GHF faced a setback on Wednesday when aid activities in Rafah were suspended due to "civil disorder" following a massive influx of Palestinians into the centers. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has expressed concerns that the GHF's aid distribution might detract from addressing the more pressing humanitarian needs in Gaza, such as ensuring sustained access, securing safe conditions, and expediting the approval of emergency supplies.
Critics have raised alarms that requiring Palestinians to travel long distances to reach southern Gaza distribution points could lead to forced displacement and put civilians at risk. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, exacerbated by Israel's closure of Gaza crossings to food, medical, and humanitarian aid since March 2. This blockade has intensified the already critical humanitarian crisis in the region, as noted by government, human rights, and international reports.
The ongoing conflict has seen the Israeli army continue its offensive against Gaza since October 2023, resulting in the deaths of more than 54,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children. In response, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its actions against civilians in the enclave.