• The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is set to begin operations in Gaza by the end of May.
• Israel's blockade since March has led to critical food shortages for the population.
• Plans for distribution centers in Gaza are being met with skepticism from other humanitarian groups.
• UN officials warn of severe famine risks without sufficient aid delivery.
• The foundation has requested more distribution sites across Gaza, including the north.

The newly established Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, backed by the Trump administration, has announced that it will begin operations in Gaza by the end of May. In a recent communication, the foundation indicated that it secured agreements with Israeli officials to facilitate aid flow into the region even before the distribution sites are fully operational. This comes as Israel has kept the blockade on the Gaza Strip, restricting the flow of food and medical supplies since March, which has heightened concerns over potential famine affecting nearly half a million residents, or about one-quarter of Gaza's population, according to reports from Reuters and The New York Times.

Amidst Israel’s claims that the blockade aims to pressure Hamas, other organizations have raised alarms about the humanitarian impact of such measures. The UN has characterized the blockade as contributing to "severe shortages of food, medicines, and fuel," leading to a critical risk of famine in Gaza's population of approximately 2.1 million people. Humanitarian agencies, including the UN's Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs, have expressed deep concerns regarding the new aid plan, criticizing it for potentially restricting access to essential supplies for many vulnerable civilians, according to BBC and Reuters.

In response to the dire situation, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has communicated its intent to establish distribution hubs that could serve hundreds of thousands of people. However, concerns have been raised that these hubs may require civilians to travel substantial distances, which could hinder access for the most vulnerable populations. While the foundation has requested that Israel expand operational sites to include northern Gaza, current plans appear limited to a few locations, relying on Israel's coordination, as noted by both The New York Times and BBC.

Additionally, former humanitarian efforts have been largely suspended due to the blockade, with no new aid deliveries allowed since March 2, raising concern among international leaders and organizations. Despite the foundation's preparations to start distributions and alleviate humanitarian pressures, UN agencies have stated they will not cooperate with this new plan due to ongoing concerns about its potential to function under a militarized framework, which may ultimately undercut delivery effectiveness. Reports indicate that the operational strategy includes aerial support and security measures intended to maintain control over the distribution centers, further complicating humanitarian access, as emphasized by BBC and The New York Times.