US Considers New Gaza Aid Plan to Replace Controversial GHF Operation

Post by : Saif Nasser

The United States is exploring a new plan to deliver humanitarian aid in Gaza that could replace the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), U.S. and aid officials told Reuters. The proposal aims to improve aid delivery after two years of conflict, during which Palestinians have faced severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.

The plan envisions a “Gaza Humanitarian Belt” consisting of 12 to 16 aid hubs along areas where Israeli forces have withdrawn. These hubs would serve civilians on both sides of the line and act as centers for distributing food, water, medical supplies, and other essentials. The hubs would also include reconciliation facilities for militants to surrender weapons in exchange for amnesty and forward operating bases for a potential international stabilization force to help demilitarize Gaza.

Under the proposal, aid would be coordinated by the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC), which would monitor convoy security, including using drones to prevent interference by Hamas. U.S. and Israeli officials have accused Hamas in the past of diverting aid, although the group denies this. The proposal aims for all aid in Gaza to be delivered through these hubs within 90 days.

The plan also suggests replacing the GHF with established aid organizations, including the UAE and Morocco Red Cross and Samaritan’s Purse, an evangelical Christian group. The GHF has faced criticism for using armed escorts and secure hubs to distribute aid, which some aid agencies say militarizes relief and threatens neutrality. European nations involved in Gaza aid have reportedly opposed giving GHF a future role.

GHF operations are currently paused, and one of its four distribution sites has been dismantled, although it could reopen elsewhere. The organization has enough funding to continue aid operations until the end of November, according to its spokesperson.

U.S. officials stress that the new plan is still in the early conceptual stage. A senior administration official said multiple approaches are being considered to help deliver aid effectively, and no final decision has been made. A humanitarian official described the plan as a “white paper” offering an option rather than an approved policy.

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which has been in place for 13 days, has allowed some aid into Gaza. The new proposal is part of U.S. efforts to ensure humanitarian support reaches civilians while supporting peace and security in the region.