Gaza City: Israel's plan for humanitarian aid distribution in Gaza aims to transform the territory's northern region into what is described as a 'completely depopulated area,' as reported by Israel's Army Radio on Tuesday. The strategy involves the establishment of four aid distribution centers by US firms, strategically located in Rafah in southern Gaza, the Morag Axis separating Rafah and Khan Younis, and the Netzarim Corridor that divides Gaza's north from the south.
According to Anadolu Agency, the center in the Netzarim Corridor is to be constructed on Salah al-Din Street. Doron Kadosh, the radio's military reporter, highlighted that movement would be restricted to a one-way direction, effectively preventing individuals from returning north once they head to the distribution center in the Netzarim Corridor. This approach is intended to compel the population to migrate southwards for food access.
Despite numerous evacuation notices, it is estimated that 200,000 to 300,000 Palestinians remain in northern Gaza, resistant to relocating south of the Netzarim Corridor. Kadosh emphasized that Israel anticipates the new plan will eliminate alternatives for Gaza residents, thereby enforcing evacuation to the southern regions.
The US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has announced plans to establish the four humanitarian aid distribution centers in the coming days. In a statement on Sunday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz mentioned ongoing coordination with a US firm to facilitate the aid distribution, with operations potentially commencing on May 24.
Since March 2, Israel has maintained closures on Gaza's crossings, restricting the flow of food, medical, and humanitarian aid, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation in the enclave. Reports from government, human rights, and international organizations corroborate these circumstances. According to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, the blockade has forced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to subsist on one meal every two or three days.
Earlier this month, Israel's Security Cabinet approved a plan for aid delivery to Palestinians in Gaza, utilizing private US security contractors to distribute aid boxes individually. However, this plan has faced rejection from the UN and numerous international aid organizations, citing concerns about humanitarian principles, logistical feasibility, and potential risks to Palestinian civilians and aid workers.
The Palestinian resistance group Hamas has condemned the Israeli plan as "political blackmail" and "a violation of international law." World Bank data indicates that nearly 2.4 million people in Gaza rely entirely on humanitarian aid.
Despite international appeals for a ceasefire, the Israeli military has maintained its offensive against Gaza since October 2023, resulting in the deaths of approximately 53,500 Palestinians, predominantly women and children. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice concerning its actions in the enclave.
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