Israel agrees to increase number of Gaza aid distribution zones as food stores expected to run out

The Gaza Humanitarian Fund, an initiative launched by the United States, announced on Wednesday evening that it will begin operations in the Gaza Strip before the end of May – and that Israel has agreed to increase the number of “safe distribution zones” to ensure the entry of food into the Strip.

Meanwhile, a senior Israeli official told Kan News that construction of the new distribution centers will be completed within two weeks.

According to assessments by Israel’s security establishment, food warehouses in Gaza are expected to run out soon. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir warned Prime Minister Netanyahu and cabinet ministers: “We will not starve Gaza. Aid must begin entering soon.”

The United States announced last week that it had initiated the process of delivering humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, said at a press conference that the aid would be distributed by external organizations and foreign governments, and that Israel would not be involved in handing it out to residents in the Strip.

“The food will be distributed in Gaza efficiently, but also safely,” Huckabee declared.

“Recent actions have often led to Hamas stealing food that was meant for hungry people. Nobody wants to help Hamas. That’s why the aid delivery will be conducted in a way that prevents it from falling into their hands.”

According to Huckabee, the aid operation will require the cooperation of various non-profit organizations and foreign governments.

“Several partners have already agreed to take part in the effort, but since final arrangements have not yet been made, we cannot disclose the names of the organizations. The good news is that the initial responses have been positive and will become even more so once we’re able to begin distributing food to the people of Gaza.”

Huckabee clarified that Israel will not take an active part in distributing the aid to Gaza residents, and that its involvement will be limited to providing perimeter security around the areas where aid is distributed.

“Private security companies will accompany the humanitarian workers during food distribution to Gazans,” he said.

According to him, Israeli forces will not be present at the distribution points themselves, but will secure them from a distance to prevent attacks by terrorist organizations.