Global tensions mount as humanitarian access to Gaza faces yet another political hurdle.
New York / Gaza — The United Nations has officially declined to participate in a new U.S.-backed humanitarian initiative for Gaza, citing concerns over impartiality, neutrality, and operational independence. The rejection casts further doubt over the viability of the proposed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an effort set to launch by the end of May.
“This particular distribution plan does not accord with our basic principles,” said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for the UN, during a press briefing on Thursday. “We will not be participating in this.”
The U.S.-led plan—championed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio—has faced sharp criticism from humanitarian leaders and global aid groups. UN aid chief Tom Fletcher denounced the proposal as a “fig leaf for further violence and displacement”, warning that it risks deepening the suffering of Gaza’s 2.1 million residents, the vast majority of whom remain at severe risk of famine, according to a recent Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report.
A Plan Under Fire
Under the current structure, Israel has pledged to facilitate but not directly participate in the distribution of aid. The foundation aims to establish so-called “secure aid sites” in southern Gaza, with expansion northward expected within 30 days. However, Israel has blocked most humanitarian aid to Gaza since March 2, conditioning access on the release of remaining hostages by Hamas—an armed group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., EU, and others. Hamas denies accusations of stealing aid.
The foundation’s financial structure remains murky. A U.S. State Department spokesperson confirmed that no U.S. government funds will be directed to the initiative. Meanwhile, names such as David Beasley, former head of the UN World Food Programme, were circulated as potential advisers—though sources now say Beasley is not currently involved.
UN Pushes for Its Own Aid Plan
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs stressed that it already has a “solid and principled operational plan” capable of delivering large-scale aid across Gaza. As the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, the UN remains firm in its stance that only neutral and independent mechanisms can ensure safe and effective delivery.
Secretary Rubio, speaking from Antalya, Turkey, acknowledged the backlash: “We’re open to alternatives,” he said. “We’re not insensitive to the suffering in Gaza.”
Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon also weighed in, saying, “We will not fund those efforts. We will facilitate them. We will enable them… It will be run by the fund itself, led by the U.S.”
Despite joint appeals from Israel and the U.S. for international cooperation, the UN and major aid organizations have yet to signal any willingness to join the foundation effort.