Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, criticized what he termed a “shakedown” by the U.N. to deter Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) from cooperating with the newly established U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). During a Security Council meeting, Danon accused the U.N. of employing “threats, intimidation, and retaliation” against NGOs that defied the body’s call to boycott GHF. He characterized the U.N.’s treatment of these organizations as “mafia-like,” emphasizing that NGOs were removed from the centralized aid database without due process. Danon argued this was a “gravest violation” of the U.N.’s own principles, labeling it extortion.
In the same session, U.S. Acting Alternate Representative John Kelley urged the U.N. to collaborate with both GHF and Israel to operationalize a humanitarian aid distribution system that effectively prevents Hamas exploitation. Kelley stressed the necessity of ensuring that none of the aid reaches Hamas, reflecting a common concern among international players regarding the appropriation of humanitarian assistance in conflict zones. The push for collaboration presents a significant strategic challenge amid the tensions in Gaza.
On Wednesday, GHF announced the opening of another secure aid distribution site, claiming that operations were running smoothly except for the tense conditions created by acute hunger and blockades imposed by Hamas. GHF refuted allegations regarding the mistreatment of Palestinians during aid distribution, asserting that no individuals had been harmed while receiving food. They elaborated on how their team had relaxed security protocols temporarily to alleviate the pressure from crowds anticipating aid, asserting their commitment to continue providing necessary assistance despite the challenges posed by the operational environment.
Despite the launch of GHF’s efforts, significant resistance remains against its operations. U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, openly criticized the GHF initiative, suggesting it served as “a fig leaf for further violence and displacement” of Palestinians. In a call for the U.N. to regain control of aid distribution, Fletcher argued for the organization’s capability to deliver aid effectively, in accordance with established humanitarian principles, further highlighting skepticism towards GHF’s legitimacy and efficacy.
As tensions escalated, Fletcher urged international actors to refocus their efforts on the U.N.’s existing humanitarian plans rather than embracing a new approach represented by GHF. The narrative surrounding the adequacy of aid distribution, particularly in light of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, underscored deep divisions within the international community regarding how best to support the besieged population of Gaza while establishing clear accountability for aid delivery.
In the aftermath of the October 7 massacre that resulted in heightened tensions, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that they permitted “121 trucks belonging to the U.N. and the international community” to enter Gaza, carrying essential supplies. This statistic underscores the complexities of the situation as humanitarian organizations navigate political pressures while trying to assist those in need amid ongoing conflict and significant scrutiny from multiple agencies within the international community.
