Controversial Gaza Aid Plan Backed by U.S. Raises Alarm over Military Control and Humanitarian Access

Watan-The Financial Times has published an in-depth report by Neri Zilber, Mehul Srivastava, and David Sheppard revealing the rise of a little-known group poised to take over aid distribution in Gaza under a highly controversial U.S.-backed plan.

According to the report, foreign mercenaries have arrived in Israel to implement this aid plan, which could potentially sideline the United Nations and redefine how one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises is managed. This comes after three months of total Israeli blockade that pushed Gaza’s population to the brink of famine. Israel recently allowed 60 trucks of aid to enter the Strip.

The aid initiative is led by the “Gaza Relief Foundation,” a Swiss-based organization unknown to most in the humanitarian field. Under the plan—reportedly inspired by ideas from the Trump administration—aid will be distributed through Israeli army-guarded centers, with help from private security firms. These centers will be concentrated in southern Gaza, forcing desperate civilians to travel long distances for food.

Despite claiming it will deliver 300 million meals at a cost of $1.30 per meal (including foreign mercenary costs), the foundation’s funding sources remain unclear. No foreign state has contributed so far, prompting skepticism about its sustainability and transparency.

The plan has drawn strong condemnation from the United Nations, which warned it could become a tool for forced displacement. A board member listed on the foundation’s documents denied any involvement, and notable figures like former UN food chief David Beasley and World Central Kitchen’s Nate Mook also disavowed claims of participation after appearing in leaked internal drafts.

Israeli media have shown foreign security contractors preparing to oversee aid operations. Two private firms—Safe Solutions and UG Solutions—are contracted to manage checkpoints in Gaza. The foundation’s CEO, former U.S. Marine Jay Wood, defended the project as the only practical solution with Israeli approval.

Despite heavy criticism from humanitarian leaders, including UN aid chief Tom Fletcher—who accused the plan of weaponizing starvation—the U.S. continues to support it as the only viable route for aid delivery. The Trump administration has promoted it as a way to bypass Hamas and ensure security for Israel.

U.S.-Backed Gaza Aid Plan Mirrors Israeli Military Vision, Sidelines UN Relief Channels

The “Gaza Relief Foundation” also includes a U.S. branch and was founded by an Armenian-Swiss national with no known humanitarian track record. Critics point out the plan’s resemblance to Israeli military proposals advocating for “clean corridors” free of Hamas control, as opposed to the international standard of widespread localized distribution centers.

UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini stated that there’s no evidence of large-scale aid diversion by Hamas and blamed looting on desperation and food scarcity. American, Israeli, and Western officials have also raised concerns over how foreign contractors might respond to crowd control or Hamas attacks.

Despite all the controversy, the U.S. insists this model will be the only authorized path for aid into Gaza once fully operational. The plan, according to U.S. officials, aligns with Trump’s vision to bring peace, protect Israel, and isolate Hamas, even if it means replacing UN-led humanitarian mechanisms.