US confirms plan for private firms to deliver Gaza aid despite UN alarm

[Eugene]

Source: BBC

US confirms plan for private firms to deliver Gaza aid despite UN alarm

9 May 2025

Yolande Knell
Middle East correspondent Reporting from Jerusalem
Imogen Foulkes
BBC News Reporting from Geneva

The US has confirmed that a new system for providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza through private companies is being prepared, as Israel's blockade continues for a third month.

The US ambassador to Israel said "distribution centres" protected by private security contractors would provide food and other supplies to up to a million people initially, as part of an effort to prevent Hamas from stealing aid.

Mike Huckabee denied Israel would take part in aid delivery or distribution, but said its forces would secure the centres' perimeters.

The confirmation comes as more details emerged about the controversial plan, which UN agencies have reiterated they will not co-operate with because it appears to "weaponise" aid.

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Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp92rlm300mo