NGOs Condemn Gaza Aid Scheme Amidst Ceasefire Talks
Over 160 Non-Governmental Organizations are demanding immediate action to end Israel’s current aid distribution scheme in Gaza, including the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, and to reinstate UN-led coordination mechanisms, Reliefweb.com reported. These calls come as civilians in Gaza face an “impossible choice: starve or risk being shot” while attempting to access food.
The NGOs report that 400 previous aid distribution points have been replaced by just four military-controlled sites, concentrating two million people into dangerous zones. In less than four weeks, over 500 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 4,000 injured while seeking or distributing food at these sites, which are described as areas of “repeated massacres.” Reports indicate Israeli forces and armed groups are routinely opening fire on civilians. The Sphere Association warns this new scheme violates core humanitarian standards.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump announced that Israel has agreed to “necessary conditions” for a 60-day ceasefire. Trump stated the US would work with all parties to end the conflict and urged Hamas to accept the deal. Israel has not yet confirmed this agreement, and there has been no immediate comment from Hamas.
Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon previously told the BBC that Israel was “absolutely” ready for a ceasefire, but would apply more military pressure if Hamas did not come to the table, linking the end of the war to the return of approximately 50 remaining Israeli hostages. Hamas, on the other hand, seeks a permanent truce and full Israeli withdrawal. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with fuel depleted and essential services nearing collapse.
