Source : NEW INDIAN EXPRESS NEWS
Israel has blocked the entry of food, fuel, medicine, and other essential supplies into Gaza for weeks, deepening the crisis for the 2.3 million Palestinians living there. The Israeli government says the blockade is meant to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages and that it will only allow aid in once it has control over how the supplies are distributed.
The United Nations and other aid groups have rejected this condition. They argue that a new group like the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation will not be able to meet the enormous needs of civilians after 19 months of war and severe food shortages. Humanitarian groups also worry that this plan violates the principles of neutrality, independence, and impartiality that are essential for delivering aid.
In its statement on Wednesday, foundation executive director Jake Wood, a U.S. military veteran and co-founder of the disaster relief group Team Rubicon, said the organisation is ready to begin aid operations within weeks following talks with Israeli officials. He said the foundation will use existing aid systems in Gaza at first while it builds new distribution sites, as required by Israel.
According to the statement, Israel has agreed to allow the construction of more aid delivery sites throughout Gaza. The goal is to reach people who are too weak, injured, elderly, or young to travel far to get food and other help. Wood also said the foundation is close to collecting enough supplies to serve 300 million meals in its first 90 days of operation.
Israel’s mission to the United Nations has not responded to questions about the foundation’s statement.
SOURCE :- NEW INDIAN EXPRESS
