US open to alternative Gaza aid plans amid growing humanitarian crisis

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Thursday that the United States is open to considering new proposals to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, following criticism of a US- and Israeli-supported aid initiative. Speaking during a visit to Turkey, Rubio expressed serious concern over the worsening humanitarian conditions in the Palestinian territory, where Israel has blocked the entry of food, medicine, and essential supplies for more than two months.

"We are troubled by the situation there," Rubio said, acknowledging international criticisms of the current aid plan. He emphasized the US position: "We’re willing to consider alternative strategies anything that ensures aid reaches civilians without falling into the hands of Hamas."

Rubio also discussed Gaza with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call on Thursday. He reiterated that the US shares Netanyahu’s goal of dismantling Hamas, which launched the October 7, 2023, attack that triggered the ongoing conflict.

"The war could end instantly if Hamas surrendered," Rubio noted. "But peace isn’t possible as long as the group continues to exist."

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a private, US-backed organization based in Geneva, announced plans to begin distributing aid in Gaza by the end of the month. The initiative aims to deliver nearly 300 million meals over 90 days. However, few details are known about the foundation, which only began operations in February.

When questioned about US financial involvement, State Department deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott deferred to the foundation, calling the initiative an “independent plan” and praising it as a creative solution.

Meanwhile, the United Nations declined to participate, stating that the plan violates its core humanitarian principles of impartiality, neutrality, and independence. UN spokesman Farhan Haq confirmed the organization would not be involved in GHF’s distribution efforts.

The UN, which currently has 171,000 tonnes of food stockpiled and ready to deliver to Gaza, says it is prepared to act as soon as access is granted. But Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon emphasized that Israel would not return to the previous aid mechanism, which it believes was compromised by links to Hamas. Although Israel will not finance the GHF initiative, Danon said it would allow the deliveries to proceed and urged the UN to revise its strategy.