International Charities Demand Overhaul of 'Chaotic' Gaza Aid System
Over 150 international humanitarian organizations, including Oxfam and Save the Children, have called for the disbandment of the current Israeli and US-backed system for distributing aid in Gaza. In a joint statement, the groups condemned the mechanism as chaotic and cited deadly violence against desperate Palestinians seeking food at its distribution sites. This collective call increases pressure on Israel and its partners to reform a humanitarian process that aid groups argue is failing to safely and effectively reach civilians.
Unpacked:
Aid distribution sites in Gaza have seen repeated incidents of violence, resulting in injuries and deaths among Palestinians seeking food. Medical teams like Doctors Without Borders report daily trauma cases, with many people requiring urgent care for wounds sustained at these chaotic sites. Some injured individuals die before reaching the few hospitals that remain functional.
Humanitarian organizations argue the Israeli and US-backed aid system is chaotic, unsafe, and fails to deliver aid effectively or with dignity. They cite deadly violence at distribution sites, restricted access to essential supplies, and systemic food deprivation as reasons to demand a new, accountable mechanism that meets international humanitarian standards.
Israeli authorities are accused of deliberately using food deprivation as a tactic, severely restricting food supply and then limiting aid deliveries. Humanitarian groups say this violates international law, while the international community is criticized for allowing or enabling a situation consistent with patterns of genocide.
Groups are calling for the disbandment of the current system and establishment of a genuine, principled aid mechanism that delivers aid safely, at the necessary scale, and with respect for human dignity. They also advocate for a sustained ceasefire to facilitate effective humanitarian relief.