Israel is developing a new aid plan for Gaza, focusing on food distribution. Officially, it's a humanitarian effort, but The New York Times reports political motives behind it. The project involves an American-appearing company with Israeli officials' input, aiming to reduce Hamas's influence. The UN and other aid organizations strongly criticize the plan.
Israel correspondent Ralph Dekkers explains that Israel plans to open distribution centers in southern Gaza, where screened Palestinians can collect weekly food packages. The plan intends to replace the UN's role, but its implementation remains uncertain due to unresolved issues.
The UN refuses to cooperate, calling the plan non-neutral and non-independent, as it involves a private US security firm paying ex-marines over $1,000 daily.