UN refuses to join Israel’s Gaza aid mechanism that ‘breaches humanitarian principles’ – Middle East Monitor

President Donald Trump has drastically reduced US aid and is re-evaluating global assistance strategies, as exemplified by the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which began distributing food in Gaza under US and Israeli oversight after Israel halted supplies. The GHF, which has distributed 2.1 million meals, operates independently of the UN, leading major aid groups to reject collaboration due to concerns over humanitarian principles and accusations of aligning with Israeli military objectives. Amidst ongoing violence,...

Israel warned Hamas to accept a hostage deal or face annihilation, as US President Trump indicated a ceasefire agreement was imminent amidst worsening conditions in Gaza, where the UN reported the entire population was at risk of famine. Israel's Defence Minister emphasized the need for Hamas to agree to the ceasefire proposed by US envoy Witkoff, while the humanitarian crisis deepened with food shortages and ongoing violence resulting in significant civilian casualties. Meanwhile, Israel expanded...

The Sarajevo Declaration of the Gaza Tribunal condemned Israel's actions in Gaza, labeling them as genocide, after sessions on various topics related to Gaza's destruction were held at the International University of Sarajevo. Since October 2023, Israel has killed over 54,000 Palestinians, leading to severe humanitarian crises, with the declaration demanding an end to military actions, forced displacement, and the siege of Gaza. The tribunal calls for global accountability for war crimes, recognition of Palestinian...

One Palestinian civilian, Rateb Jawda, was killed, and at least 20 others injured when Israeli forces opened fire on people seeking food aid near US-run distribution points in Gaza. Thousands flocked to a distribution center in Rafah, only to find it had minimal supplies, leading to chaos as they began to leave. Eyewitnesses reported that some civilians disappeared amidst the shooting, raising concerns about the treatment of those seeking aid. Full Article

Islamic State (ISIS) has claimed responsibility for two bomb attacks on the newly established Syrian government, marking its first assault since the government took power in December. The attacks reportedly resulted in casualties among government soldiers and a member of the US-backed Free Syrian Army in Sweida province. Additionally, the Syrian government has conducted raids to arrest ISIS operatives but has not acknowledged the attacks, while concerns about ISIS's resurgence and its threats to the...

In a move condemned by humanitarian organizations, Israel has initiated a controversial aid distribution system in Gaza, outsourcing food supplies to foreign security firms after UN and Palestinian institutions rejected it as a militarized starvation tactic. The US contractor Safe Reach Solutions (SRS) has partnered with a little-known Palestinian company, "Three Brothers," to manage aid hubs, leading to chaos during the launch due to overwhelming demand amid severe starvation conditions. Human rights groups warn this...