Gaza

 

TOP OF THE AGENDA Private security firms to control  Gaza aid under US plan

A girl reacts as Palestinians wait for food at a charity kitchen in Beit Lahia. Credit: Reuters The US has confirmed its plans to use private security firms to  control aid deliveries in Gaza, claiming previous international  efforts had led to supplies being stolen by Hamas. Mike   Huckabee, the US ambassador to Israel, said that "distribution  centres" would be protected by contractors and their perimeters  "secured" by Israeli troops. The UN's humanitarian agency,  OCHA, has refused to participate in the plan, saying it would  "weaponize" deliveries. Agencies report growing malnutrition  in Gaza since March, when Israel imposed a full blockade  following the breakdown of a ceasefire.

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Israeli leadership details new plans for ‘Gaza relocation’

Geopolitics & Policy

09 May 2025

By: Robert Dougherty

 

Photo: IDF

Israeli government leadership have shed light on an evolving plan for the relocation of Gaza Strip residents.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, speaking at a settlement policy conference in the West Bank, reportedly detailed plans for Palestinian residents of Gaza to “to be relocated for their own protection”.

In addition, comments were made that Israel could attempt to “apply sovereignty” in the West Bank during the government’s current term before the end of next year.

“Within a few months ... Gaza will be totally destroyed,” he said.

“The Gazan citizens will be concentrated in the south. They will be totally despairing, understanding that there is no hope and nothing to look for in Gaza, and will be looking for relocation to begin a new life in other places.

“Hamas won’t exist as a functioning entity (in six months) ... The population of Gaza will be concentrated from the Morag Corridor southwards. The rest of the strip will be empty.”

In addition, the Israeli Security Cabinet has recently approved a plan to distribute aid in the blockaded enclave through private security contractors.

Earlier this month, the Israel Defense Force mustered a successful attack on Yemen’s main airport in Saana and port city of Hodeidah to target weapon storage facilities.

Israel has maintained military operations against the Hamas-elected government in Gaza since militants killed nearly 1,200 people and kidnapped hundreds of civilians during a religious holiday on 7 October last year.