The United Nations has refused to participate in a US-backed humanitarian operation in Gaza, stating the plan fails to meet fundamental humanitarian principles of impartiality, neutrality and independence.
“This particular distribution plan does not accord with our basic principles, including those of impartiality, neutrality, and independence, and we will not be participating in this,” deputy UN spokesperson Farhan Haq told reporters on Thursday.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, backed by the United States, is scheduled to begin operations in Gaza by late May. However, the initiative has faced significant criticism, with UN aid chief Tom Fletcher describing it as a “fig leaf for further violence and displacement” of Palestinians.
During a press conference in Turkey, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged these concerns while defending the initiative’s intent. “We’re not immune or in any way insensitive to the suffering of the people of Gaza, and I know that there are opportunities here to provide aid for them,” Rubio stated after speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
He added, “There are criticisms of that plan. We’re open to an alternative if someone has a better one.”
The UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs countered by asserting it already “has a solid and principled operational plan to deliver humanitarian aid and life-saving services at scale and immediately across the Gaza Strip.”
Israel has blocked all humanitarian assistance to Gaza since March 2, demanding Hamas release remaining captives and accusing the group of stealing aidโallegations Hamas denies. Meanwhile, a recent report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification initiative warned that Gaza “is still confronted with a critical risk of famine” after more than a year of conflict, with most of its 2.1 million residents facing severe food insecurity.
Attempting to address concerns, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has requested that Israel expand its initial limited aid distribution sites from southern Gaza to northern areas within 30 days. The foundation has also asked Israel to allow the UN and other organizations to resume aid deliveries until its operations are established.
Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon clarified his country’s role, stating: “We will not fund those efforts. We will facilitate them. We will enable them. We will not be the ones giving the aid… It will be run by the fund itself, led by the US.”
While Israel and the US have urged UN agencies and aid groups to cooperate with the foundation, questions remain about its funding structure. A State Department spokesperson confirmed that no US government funding would support the foundation.
A fact sheet circulating among aid organizations last week mentioned former UN World Food Programme chief David Beasley as a potential adviser, but a source familiar with the initiative indicated Beasley is not currently involved.
About the author
Trump Strikes Iran After Israeli Attack Kills 600 As Western Media Bias Exposed
On June 22, American warplanes entered Iranian airspace and dropped 14 bombs following Israeli military action that resulted in 600 Iranian casualties. US President Donald Trump, accompanied by his vice president and two secretaries, announced that "Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace." The attack occurred during Israel's 12-day military operation against Iran. Western media coverage during this period focused primarily on Israelis in bunkers rather than Iranian civilian casualties, including children affected by the conflict. This pattern extends to Gaza coverage over the past 20 months. Official counts report over 55,000 deaths, with some estimates suggesting higher numbers. Most hospitals and schools in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed during the conflict. Human rights organizations Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have declared Israel's actions constitute genocide, though most Western media outlets avoid using this […]
Funeral Home Owner Gets 20 Years For Hoarding Bodies And Fake Ashes Scam
A Colorado funeral home owner received a 20-year prison sentence for storing 191 decomposing bodies at his facility while providing families with fake ashes and defrauding federal COVID-19 relief programs. Jon Hallford, owner of Return to Nature Funeral Home, was sentenced Friday by US District Judge Nina Wang, who exceeded the prosecution's 15-year recommendation due to the extraordinary nature of his crimes and the emotional harm inflicted on families. "This is not an ordinary fraud case," Judge Wang stated while imposing the maximum 240-month sentence. The grim discovery occurred in 2023 when investigators responded to reports of an "abhorrent smell" emanating from the dilapidated building in Penrose, located 160 kilometers south of Denver. Inside the insect-infested facility, they found human remains stacked on top of each other, with some rooms so filled with bodies that entry was impossible. FBI agents […]
Trump Predicts Gaza Ceasefire Deal Within One Week
President Donald Trump expressed optimism about reaching a Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, stating he believes an agreement could be achieved within a week. Speaking to reporters Friday, Trump made the unexpected announcement after discussing the situation with unspecified parties involved in ceasefire efforts. "I think it's close. I just spoke to some of the people involved," Trump said. "We think within the next week we're going to get a ceasefire," he added, without identifying his contacts. Al Jazeera's Nour Odeh, reporting from Amman, noted that while Trump's comments would be "welcome news" to Gaza's population, she cautioned that "no negotiations at this moment happening anywhere in the region" are currently taking place. Odeh explained that ceasefire discussions have increased significantly following the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire. However, she noted Israel's reluctance to discuss ending the war, with Netanyahu potentially facing […]
Iran Holds Massive State Funeral For 60 War Dead As Trump Threatens More Strikes
Iran conducted a state funeral for approximately 60 people killed during its recent 12-day conflict with Israel, including military commanders and nuclear scientists. Coffins draped in Iranian flags and bearing portraits of the deceased were displayed near Tehran's Enghelab Square, surrounded by large crowds of mourners. The conflict concluded with a ceasefire after the United States intervened by bombing key Iranian nuclear facilities. Crowds dressed in black chanted slogans, waved Iranian flags, and carried portraits of those killed. Authorities encouraged participation through media campaigns and provided free transportation, while government offices closed for the day. Among those buried was Mohammad Bagheri, Iran's highest-ranking military officer and chief of staff of the armed forces. Bagheri was interred alongside his wife and daughter, who died in an Israeli strike. Iranian authorities reported 627 total deaths in Iran, while Israeli officials stated 28 […]
Trump Claims Victory After Iran Strike And Multiple Foreign Policy Wins
Donald Trump began the week expressing frustration over Iran and Israel's fragile ceasefire situation, but concluded with celebratory White House appearances following several political victories. The president appeared triumphant during an extended news conference, highlighting his accomplishments across multiple fronts. Iran Strike and Ceasefire Achievement The US military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities on June 21 preceded Trump's announcement of a "complete and total" ceasefire in what he called the "12-day war" between Israel and Iran. Initial developments proved challenging. Iran launched ballistic missiles at a US airbase in Qatar shortly before the ceasefire announcement, raising concerns about regional escalation. Both sides faced accusations of ceasefire violations, prompting Trump's heated response to reporters. Trump acknowledged he barely persuaded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt additional attacks on Iran. However, the ceasefire ultimately maintained stability, allowing Trump to claim success […]
Trump Strikes Iran Nuclear Sites After Two Day Deadline
Donald Trump has launched military strikes against three Iranian nuclear facilities, marking a significant escalation in Middle East tensions just weeks after returning to the White House with promises of peace. The president announced the operation on social media before delivering a televised address from the White House, declaring the strikes a "spectacular success." Trump expressed hope the action would create conditions for lasting peace by eliminating Iran's nuclear weapon potential. Iran reported only minor damage to its heavily fortified Fordo nuclear site, though the full extent of damage remains unclear. Speaking alongside Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Trump warned Iran of future attacks that would be "far worse and a lot easier" if they refused to abandon their nuclear program. He indicated "many targets left" and promised continued action with […]
Related
US Cuts Tariffs on UK Cars and PlanesโBut Steel Industry Left Behind
Tariff reductions for UK automotive and aerospace sectors have taken effect following Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's completion of negotiations for relief from US import duties. UK car manufacturers exporting to America now face a reduced 10% tariff quota, down from the previous 27.5%, while aerospace companies will see a 10% levy eliminated completely. Sir Keir described the agreement as a "historic trade deal" with the US, secured after President Donald Trump implemented import taxes as part of his "liberation day" tariffs affecting countries globally. The Prime Minister and US President finalized the sectoral agreement during the G7 summit, though steel tariffs remain at 25% instead of being reduced to zero as initially negotiated. Discussions continue regarding securing 0% tariffs on core UK steel products destined for US markets. Trump's executive order indicates the US seeks guarantees regarding UK steel […]
Teen Killer Faces Murder Trial After Fatal School Stabbing
A 15-year-old defendant is scheduled to stand trial for murder charges following the fatal stabbing of Harvey Willgoose, also 15, at All Saints Catholic High School in Sheffield on February 3. The accused teenager, whose identity remains protected by law, has entered a guilty plea to manslaughter charges but maintains innocence regarding the murder charge. The trial will commence Monday at Sheffield Crown Court. The defendant has also acknowledged possession of a bladed weapon in connection with the incident. Harvey Willgoose sustained fatal injuries after being stabbed through the heart during the February incident at the Sheffield school. The event generated widespread shock throughout Sheffield and across the country. The victim has been admitted guilty to possessing a bladed article as part of the charges. At Harvey's February funeral service, family and friends remembered him as a "social butterfly" who […]
Government Modifies Welfare Reforms Following Criticism, Vote Scheduled for Next Week
The Government has announced significant changes to its welfare reform proposals ahead of a crucial parliamentary vote next week, following widespread criticism of what opponents labeled a "two-tier" system for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) recipients. Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed confidence that the Government would secure victory in the upcoming vote, stating that the modifications "have put us in a much better position" and provide "peace of mind" to current PIP recipients. The original welfare package proposed restricting PIP eligibility across all recipients, but the Government has now revised its approach. Following pressure from backbench MPs and the threat of a rebellion, the changes will now apply only to new applicants, protecting existing recipients from reassessment. Streeting defended this approach as standard practice for policy transitions, comparing it to changes in student finance systems. "When things change and evolve as […]
Trump Strikes Iran After Israeli Attack Kills 600 As Western Media Bias Exposed
On June 22, American warplanes entered Iranian airspace and dropped 14 bombs following Israeli military action that resulted in 600 Iranian casualties. US President Donald Trump, accompanied by his vice president and two secretaries, announced that "Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace." The attack occurred during Israel's 12-day military operation against Iran. Western media coverage during this period focused primarily on Israelis in bunkers rather than Iranian civilian casualties, including children affected by the conflict. This pattern extends to Gaza coverage over the past 20 months. Official counts report over 55,000 deaths, with some estimates suggesting higher numbers. Most hospitals and schools in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed during the conflict. Human rights organizations Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have declared Israel's actions constitute genocide, though most Western media outlets avoid using this […]
Funeral Home Owner Gets 20 Years For Hoarding Bodies And Fake Ashes Scam
A Colorado funeral home owner received a 20-year prison sentence for storing 191 decomposing bodies at his facility while providing families with fake ashes and defrauding federal COVID-19 relief programs. Jon Hallford, owner of Return to Nature Funeral Home, was sentenced Friday by US District Judge Nina Wang, who exceeded the prosecution's 15-year recommendation due to the extraordinary nature of his crimes and the emotional harm inflicted on families. "This is not an ordinary fraud case," Judge Wang stated while imposing the maximum 240-month sentence. The grim discovery occurred in 2023 when investigators responded to reports of an "abhorrent smell" emanating from the dilapidated building in Penrose, located 160 kilometers south of Denver. Inside the insect-infested facility, they found human remains stacked on top of each other, with some rooms so filled with bodies that entry was impossible. FBI agents […]
Trump Predicts Gaza Ceasefire Deal Within One Week
President Donald Trump expressed optimism about reaching a Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, stating he believes an agreement could be achieved within a week. Speaking to reporters Friday, Trump made the unexpected announcement after discussing the situation with unspecified parties involved in ceasefire efforts. "I think it's close. I just spoke to some of the people involved," Trump said. "We think within the next week we're going to get a ceasefire," he added, without identifying his contacts. Al Jazeera's Nour Odeh, reporting from Amman, noted that while Trump's comments would be "welcome news" to Gaza's population, she cautioned that "no negotiations at this moment happening anywhere in the region" are currently taking place. Odeh explained that ceasefire discussions have increased significantly following the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire. However, she noted Israel's reluctance to discuss ending the war, with Netanyahu potentially facing […]
Be the first to leave a comment