UN Condemns U.S.-Led Gaza Food Aid Plan as a Recipe for Disaster

A recently implemented aid initiative for Gaza, overseen by the United States and supported by Israel, has come under intense scrutiny from the United Nations, which warns it could be disastrous for the region’s vulnerable population. Dozens of deaths have been reported over the past three days as desperate Gazans gather at newly established, heavily fortified aid distribution points managed under the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

Israel has given approval to the U.S.-administered foundation, which operates fortified sites for distributing desperately needed food aid. Yet, reaching these locations has proved perilous, with many Gazans forced to traverse militarized zones or areas previously ordered evacuated. The journey is compounded by the presence of barbed wire and armed private contractors, whose roles and accountability remain uncertain.

According to Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, this system of aid delivery is deeply flawed. “The system of funneling people between barbed wires, forcing them to walk to get the food, with armed contractors whose accountability remains unknown is a recipe for disaster,” he warned. Stressing the tragedy of the situation, Dujarric added, “The secretary-general condemns the loss of lives and injuries of Palestinians seeking aid in Gaza. It is unacceptable. Civilians are risking – and in several instances losing – their lives just trying to get food.”

Guterres has called for an urgent, independent investigation into the fatal incidents at these sites and demanded that responsible parties be held accountable. He further emphasized that Israel bears direct responsibility under international humanitarian law to facilitate humanitarian relief for all civilians in Gaza, a standard that critics say is far from being met amidst the current crisis.

With famine looming across the enclave after an 11-week Israeli blockade was partially lifted, the basic needs of the population remain “enormous and are not being met,” the UN said. On Wednesday, the UN Security Council is set to vote on a draft resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, unrestricted humanitarian access throughout Gaza, and the release of all hostages. The resolution also demands the removal of all barriers hindering the entry and distribution of aid—including direct involvement by the UN.

Slovenia’s UN Ambassador Samuel Zbogar underscored the urgency, saying, “The time to act has already passed. It is our historical responsibility not to remain silent.”

The GHF, which began operations just a week ago, claims to have distributed over 7 million meals from three sites. However, it announced it would suspend operations on Wednesday, pending enhanced safety assurances from Israel for civilians attempting to access the distribution centers.

The United Nations and several humanitarian agencies have declined to cooperate with the GHF, citing concerns that the organization is not neutral and that its militarized approach puts civilians at risk. GHF relies on private U.S. security and logistics firms to deliver aid — a model which humanitarian experts say blurs the line between assistance and military operations.

'A drop in the ocean'

In parallel, UN agencies and their partners, though theoretically allowed to bring aid into Gaza after an 80-day blockade, face persistent obstacles. The Kerem Shalom (Karem Abu Salem) crossing remains the sole entry point for humanitarian convoys, with severe bottlenecks dramatically limiting the volume of supplies reaching those in dire need.

According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the amount of aid getting through represents only “a drop in the ocean” compared to actual requirements. While warehouses outside Gaza are stocked, only limited amounts of flour, medical supplies, and nutrition items make it inside, largely due to ongoing security restrictions and active conflict along supply routes.

Since May 17, OCHA reports that only half of its pre-cleared supplies have been permitted through for final Israeli clearance into Gaza. Teams have managed to haul just around 370 truckloads from the crossing to communities in need. Inside Gaza, movement remains extremely dangerous and tightly controlled, with bombings continuing in many areas.

Efforts by humanitarian organizations to coordinate safe passage are frequently thwarted: on Monday alone, 10 of 13 coordination requests were refused by Israeli authorities. These denials not only delay the collection and distribution of vital supplies but also disrupt life-saving activities such as water trucking and fuel delivery, compounding the already immense hardship faced by Gaza’s civilian population.

These conditions are taking a heavy toll. OCHA highlights a sharp rise in child labor, early marriage, and family separation—all driven by increased hunger, displacement, and economic turmoil gripping the strip. As the crisis deepens, pressure mounts on all parties to prioritize civilian protection and remove barriers to the immediate and safe delivery of humanitarian aid.