GENEVA - United Nations agencies have issued stark warnings against new plans for aid distribution in Gaza, including a US-backed proposal, stating these could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory [1][2][3].

The warnings come as Gaza enters its tenth week under a total Israeli blockade, which has led to severe shortages of food, medicine, and other essential supplies [1][2][3]. UNICEF spokesperson James Elder emphasized in Geneva, "Humanitarian aid should never be used as a bargaining chip" [1][2][3].

US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, announced that a new system for delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza would be launched "very soon" [1][2][3]. While details are yet to be released, Huckabee described the system as independent from Israel, with private companies providing security and Israel's military coordinating [2][3].

However, a separate proposal from a newly formed group, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), has raised concerns. The GHF, comprising US security contractors, former military officers, and humanitarian aid officials, has proposed taking over aid distribution in Gaza [4].

Their 14-page proposal, circulated among aid groups and UN officials, outlines plans for Palestinians to receive pre-packaged rations and supplies at four distribution hubs under private security contractor protection [4]. The proposal bears similarities to plans Israel has been privately discussing with international aid groups [4].

UN agencies are urging Israel to lift its ban on all food, medicine, and other supplies entering Gaza. The current blockade has resulted in a surge of malnutrition and hunger among Palestinians as supplies rapidly dwindle [1][2][3].

As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the international community remains divided on the best approach to address the humanitarian crisis. The coming days are expected to bring more details on the proposed new aid distribution systems and their potential impact on the lives of Gaza's residents.