UN and aid groups reject US-backed Gaza aid model

Established with the support of the US and Israel, the Gaza Humanitarian Aid Foundation is poised to take over aid distribution, yet it faces severe criticism due to its opaque structure, reliance on foreign mercenaries, and the location of its distribution points.

According to a report in the Financial Times (FT), dozens of foreign mercenaries have been brought into Israel as part of a controversial US-backed humanitarian aid plan. The plan aims to transfer control of humanitarian aid in Gaza from the United Nations (UN) to the largely unknown Switzerland-based Gaza Humanitarian Aid Foundation (GHF).

After a blockade lasting approximately three months, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged was driving the populace to starvation, Israel this week permitted over 90 aid trucks to enter Gaza following international outcry. However, Israel describes these aid deliveries as merely a temporary “bridge solution” and aims for the new system, advocated by the US administration, to be operational by the end of the month.

Can the Gaza Humanitarian Aid Foundation replace UN agencies?

The report indicates that the new system envisages aid being distributed by the Gaza Humanitarian Aid Foundation from centers protected by the Israeli army and private security companies. The UN and other organizations wishing to deliver aid would reportedly be compelled to use these centers. This arrangement would necessitate civilians, particularly those seeking access to centers concentrated in southern Gaza, traveling long distances.

Since the plan’s introduction in May, numerous technical and ethical issues regarding its implementation have emerged. Sources close to the project, for which former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair is also alleged to be an unofficial advisor, state that the current system is far from meeting the needs of over two million Palestinians.

The UN has long been the primary aid provider in Gaza. The organization has sharply criticized the GHF model, calling it a “cover to disguise forced displacement.”

It has also been revealed that some “board members” named in the foundation’s documents have not accepted these positions.

Structure is not transparent, funding is uncertain

The GHF announced plans to distribute 300 million meals within the first 90 days. The cost of this distribution—including security expenses for foreign mercenaries—is reported to be $1.30 per meal. However, how the foundation is financed remains unknown.

According to three sources close to the matter, no international donors had contributed to the foundation as of last week. Another source claimed there was a pledge of at least $100 million in donations but did not disclose the names of these individuals.

Tony Blair intervened

From the outset of the project, prominent figures in the aid world were sought for inclusion in the plan. According to three sources, Tony Blair met with former UN World Food Program (WFP) Director David Beasley, asking him to evaluate the plan. Beasley’s name appears in GHF documents as a potential board member, but he has not responded to requests for comment.

Similarly, draft documents showed Nate Mook, former CEO of World Central Kitchen, as an “indispensable board member.” However, Mook told the FT, “I am not on the board.”

Foreign mercenaries draw attention

The GHF’s complex and opaque structure is noteworthy. The foundation was reportedly established in Switzerland in February 2025 by an Armenian citizen, and it has a second, undisclosed branch in the US. Details regarding the foundation’s financial structure are largely kept secret.

Israeli media recently shared images of uniformed foreign private security personnel arriving in the country. These individuals are reportedly assigned to duty at aid convoys and distribution centers.

Two US security companies involved in the project—Safe Reach Solutions and UG Solutions—operated a small-scale checkpoint system in Gaza during a brief ceasefire. Both firms did not respond to requests for comment.

Jake Wood, director of the GHF and a former US marine, stated that despite the project’s shortcomings, it was the only model approved by Israel. Wood declared, “We are committed to delivering aid humanely, without militarizing it. Distribution will be managed entirely by civilian teams.”

No support for GHF from UN and aid organizations

The UN and other international humanitarian aid organizations have so far not supported the Gaza Humanitarian Aid Foundation model. The concentration of aid centers primarily in southern Gaza raises concerns that Palestinians will be forced to travel to areas near the Egyptian border.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated yesterday that the ultimate goal of the military operation in Gaza was to completely displace the people of Gaza from the region.

Tom Fletcher, the UN’s humanitarian aid chief, also opposed this plan, stating that the system “ties aid to political and military objectives.” Fletcher remarked, “Hunger is now being used as a bargaining chip.”

Proposed changes to the model are on the agenda

The GHF announced that it plans to make some adjustments in response to international reactions. The foundation stated in a letter to the Israeli government that it had requested the establishment of aid distribution centers in northern Gaza as well and that the personal data of aid recipients would not be shared. It also promised to facilitate the passage of non-food medical and household supplies. However, it remains unclear whether Israel will accept these demands.

The plan has received full support from the US administration despite uncertainties regarding how private security companies will manage large crowds and potential Hamas attacks in Gaza. Each distribution center is planned to serve approximately 300,000 people.

A US State Department spokesperson said, “President Trump called for creative solutions to deliver life-saving aid to the people of Gaza while ensuring peace, protecting Israel, and excluding Hamas.” He added, “Thanks to his visionary leadership, we are on the verge of a major gain.”