In a time of crisis, the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict has brought to light the complexities surrounding humanitarian aid distribution in the region. Reports indicate that Jordan is profiting significantly from its role in overseeing international aid deliveries to Gaza, while the situation on the ground remains dire for the Palestinian population.
According to a report by Middle East Eye (MEE), Jordanian authorities have emerged as key players in the logistics of aid distribution, charging substantial fees for their services. The Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization (JHCO), the official body responsible for humanitarian aid to Gaza, has been coordinating with Israeli authorities to act as the sole channel for aid passing through Jordan. This arrangement has raised eyebrows as it appears to serve both humanitarian needs and Jordan’s financial interests.
Sources familiar with the operations of JHCO revealed that most of the aid attributed to the organization originates from foreign governments and NGOs, both Jordanian and international, rather than direct contributions from Jordan itself. As part of this operation, Jordanian authorities reportedly charge USD2,200 for each aid truck entering Gaza. Furthermore, they impose fees ranging from USD200,000 to USD400,000 for aerial aid deliveries to Gaza. The lower fee applies to random aid deliveries, while the higher fee is for targeted missions, even though each aircraft carries less than half a truckload of aid.
In response to the increased revenue from these operations, Jordan has expanded its logistics infrastructure. Recent reports indicate that the kingdom has acquired 200 new aid trucks through foreign grants and is constructing a larger storage depot supported by the United Nations to manage the anticipated increase in shipments under new international arrangements.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical. On May 9, 2025, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee stated that Israel would not be involved in the distribution of aid to Gaza, but would provide security. He emphasized that the provision of aid supplies would not depend on the achievement of a ceasefire, a statement that has raised concerns among humanitarian organizations.
Director-General of the International Red Cross Committee, Pierre Kraehenbuehl, has called for immediate action from countries worldwide to address the ongoing crisis in Gaza. He criticized the current situation, stating, "Everyone should feel deep anger over what happened in Gaza." His comments come amidst reports that dozens of public kitchens in Gaza have closed due to a lack of supplies, raising fears of widespread malnutrition among the population.
In a related development, an internal document from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), obtained by The Times of Israel, revealed that the U.S. and Israel-backed aid distribution plan would only cover approximately 60 percent of Gaza's population in its initial phase. The memo indicates that out of the roughly two million residents in Gaza, only 1.2 million will receive assistance in the first phase.
Aid is set to be distributed through four designated points known as Secure Distribution Sites (SDS) in a new humanitarian zone established by Israel in southern Gaza, specifically between the Philadelphi Corridor and the Morag Corridor. Each SDS is designed to serve around 300,000 people, but the memo warns that the capacity to reach the entire population remains limited.
Critics of the aid distribution plan have expressed concerns that the proposed measures do not accurately reflect the dire realities on the ground. A staff member from an international aid agency voiced skepticism, noting that the likelihood of hungry civilians storming distribution centers as soon as they open is high.
As the situation evolves, the GHF has outlined plans to send aid in boxes containing 50 portions of food, each providing 1,750 calories, alongside hygiene supplies and medical materials. Approximately 5,000 to 6,000 verified citizen representatives will be permitted to collect aid on foot every week or every two weeks. The distribution will be managed by logistics contractors using armored vehicles, including U.S. security companies like UG Solutions and Safe Reach Solutions. Notably, Israeli soldiers will not be stationed at the SDS sites to maintain a neutral and civilian image.
Despite these efforts, the daily entry quota for aid trucks remains a mere 60 from a single crossing point, a figure deemed woefully inadequate to address the looming threat of mass hunger in Gaza. Critics argue that the failure to establish a credible political alternative in Gaza has allowed Hamas to maintain its dominance, complicating the humanitarian response.
As the international community watches closely, the interplay between humanitarian needs and political realities continues to shape the landscape in Gaza. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the proposed aid distribution plans can effectively address the urgent needs of the population while navigating the complex dynamics of the ongoing conflict.
