Dutch organizations criticize Israel's Gaza aid plan, call it politically motivated
Dutch humanitarian organizations are raising alarms over Israel's proposal to take control of humanitarian aid distribution in Gaza, calling it unrealistic and politically driven. The plan, which Israel intends to implement with the support of the United States through a new international foundation, has sparked strong objections from groups including CARE Netherlands, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). These organizations argue that the plan could endanger the lives of Palestinians in Gaza and undermine the fundamental principles of humanitarian aid, according to NOS.
Israel’s proposal to control the distribution of aid to Gaza comes after a two-month halt in which no humanitarian goods were allowed into the region. The Israeli government has justified the blockade, stating it is a measure to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages. However, aid organizations fear that without immediate action, thousands of Palestinians could die from hunger within a month due to the ongoing blockade.
Under the Israeli plan, food and essential supplies would be distributed at five fixed points in southern Gaza, near the Netzarim corridor, which divides the northern and southern parts of the region. Israel intends to secure these distribution points by deploying either military forces or private mercenaries to protect the aid convoys. The country’s primary concern is ensuring that aid does not fall into the hands of Hamas.
Dutch humanitarian organizations are staunchly opposed to this approach. They argue that the United Nations already oversees the distribution of aid in Gaza, ensuring that it reaches those in need without falling into political hands. CARE Netherlands criticized Israel's move, stating that the plan would force humanitarian aid to be allocated based on political considerations, not on the needs of the people. "With this proposal, Israel seeks to determine who receives aid, not based on need but on political criteria," said a CARE Netherlands spokesperson.
The UN's OCHA also expressed strong concerns, emphasizing that Israel’s responsibility is to facilitate the work of humanitarian organizations, not to control it. "Israel has the responsibility to facilitate our work, not to arm it," a UN spokesperson stated. The ICRC also raised questions about the safety of aid recipients, especially if they are required to travel long distances to reach distribution points, potentially walking over roads destroyed by conflict or littered with unexploded ordnance.
Dutch experts are also questioning the practicality of Israel's plan. Thea Hilhorst, a professor of humanitarian studies at Erasmus University in Rotterdam, called the proposal flawed. "There are many drawbacks to the plan, but the worst part is that it could take at least two weeks before it is even implemented," she told NOS. Hilhorst suggested an alternative: opening the borders to allow the UN and the Red Cross to directly deliver aid. "The UN currently has 350 trucks filled with aid waiting at the border. If the border were opened, help could reach people tomorrow," she added.
