_WHAT’S HAPPENING_
In mid-May, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu allowed the resumption of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
The method chosen by the Israeli and American governments for allowing aid — the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) — has been challenged by Hamas’ efforts to control the entirety of aid coming into the Gaza Strip.
However, by tightening control over the distribution network, GHF has delivered millions of meals despite interference from the terror group.
_THE FACTS_
Israel’s government reportedly hopes the US-backed GHF will cut Hamas out of the aid distribution network, as — unlike other aid groups — it does not work with the terrorist organization.
Hamas has told Palestinians to avoid receiving GHF aid, alleging it’s an Israeli scheme to collect intelligence.
Last week, GHF provided 45 truckloads of food in one day — by its count, the equivalent of 2.5 million meals.
Gazans rushed to be the first to get aid, causing chaos at distribution sites.
One day later, Hamas killed at least 8 GHF workers.
Leaked Telegram messages showed Hamas’ plans to attack other distribution sites.
GHF has also rebuffed claims that Palestinians have been fired upon by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) at their sites. The mainstream media previously ran with this false narrative.
The organization has been criticized for not working with other aid groups and for operating in only select locations, forcing Gazans to travel long distances.
However, fewer locations mean GHF and the IDF can more tightly monitor the distribution of aid and prevent Hamas from stealing it.
_INSIGHTS_
Israel was faced with a difficult choice: allow multiple groups to distribute aid — thereby helping Hamas’ image with Gazans — or restrict it, hurting faith in Hamas but also opening the door to starvation. Israel sought to take a middle option by allowing aid via GHF.
Getting aid into a combat zone is always difficult, especially with Hamas lurking over the operation. But so far, GHF appears to be successfully feeding Gazans while resisting Hamas, with videos even emerging of Palestinians chanting “Trump” as aid centers reopened.
