U.S.-Backed Aid Plan in Gaza Sparks Criticism Amid Humanitarian Crisis

A new U.S.-backed humanitarian aid plan for Gaza is set to launch by the end of May, aiming to provide critical assistance to civilians amid a growing humanitarian crisis. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), supported by U.S. security firm UG Solutions and logistics provider Safe Reach Solutions, will oversee the operation. The initiative follows a complete halt in aid deliveries since March 2, leaving over 500,000 people—about a quarter of Gaza’s population—facing potential starvation, according to a global hunger monitor.

Under the plan, private companies will deliver aid to designated secure distribution sites primarily in southern Gaza. From there, aid groups will distribute the supplies to civilians. Israel, which supports the American plan, has blamed Hamas for stealing aid—a claim the militant group denies—and continues to block aid until all remaining hostages are released.

GHF’s executive director, Jake Wood, addressed concerns in a letter to Israel, promising that no personal information of aid recipients would be shared with Israeli authorities. He also urged Israel to allow existing aid flows until GHF’s infrastructure is fully operational and requested more distribution sites, including in northern Gaza, to ensure full population coverage.

Despite U.S. encouragement, U.N. agencies and international aid groups have expressed deep concerns. U.N. spokesperson Farhan Haq and aid chief Tom Fletcher have criticized the plan’s deviation from core humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence. The International Committee of the Red Cross echoed these worries, stressing that aid should remain free from political and military interference.

As Gaza’s humanitarian situation worsens, international pressure mounts on Israel to permit immediate, unhindered aid access to prevent further catastrophe. The effectiveness and integrity of the GHF plan remain under close global scrutiny.