Controversy Surrounds Gaza Aid Plan Backed by the United States as the UN Refuses to Participate
Report from AFP, United Nations Headquarters in New York on the 15th. The UN announced today that it will not participate in the aid operation to provide supplies to the Gaza Strip through the "Gaza Humanitarian Foundation," which is supported by the United States. The prolonged blockade imposed by Israel has left the war-ravaged local area facing severe shortages of supplies.
Deputy Spokesperson for the UN, Farhan Haq, stated: "As we have repeatedly emphasized, this specific distribution plan does not align with our fundamental principles, including impartiality, neutrality, and independence. Therefore, we will not participate."
The US State Department mentioned last week that the non-governmental organization "Gaza Humanitarian Foundation" (GHF) would soon announce plans to assist the Gaza Strip. This move would effectively marginalize the UN.
Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip has lasted for more than two months. UN agencies and other humanitarian organizations warn that fuel and medicine supplies for 2.4 million Palestinians are increasingly dwindling.
However, Israel denies that a humanitarian crisis is occurring and remains committed to increasing pressure on the Palestinian armed organization Hamas.
Although the foundation was established in February this year according to a Swiss list, little is known about this new organization.
Previously reported by Swiss newspaper Le Temps, the foundation plans to hire "mercenaries" for the distribution of aid supplies, which raised concerns among Amnesty International's Swiss branch.
Hak emphasized that the UN already has "excellent" plans ready, "once we are allowed to proceed, we can implement them immediately."
He reiterated that UN trucks are always ready to go, with over 171,000 tons of food and other lifesaving supplies. Once Israel allows passage, they can head to the Gaza Strip.
Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1832281840590856/
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