The United Arab Emirates has made a significant decision regarding its involvement in a new aid mechanism for Gaza, informing the Israeli government that it will not cooperate with the initiative at this time. This development, reported on May 9, 2025, poses a major setback to efforts backed by Israel and the United States to resume humanitarian aid while preventing its diversion to Hamas, the militant group controlling Gaza.
The situation in Gaza has become increasingly dire, with Israel having frozen all shipments of food, water, and medicine for over two months. According to multiple sources, food supplies in the region could run out within days, exacerbating an already critical humanitarian crisis.
Israel contends that the new Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) will facilitate safer aid distribution, but this assertion has been met with skepticism. The United Nations and various aid organizations have outright rejected the proposed mechanism, arguing that it fails to adequately address the humanitarian needs of the population and could endanger lives by forcing civilians into militarized zones to collect essential supplies.
The Emirati position is particularly noteworthy given that the UAE has been a leading provider of humanitarian assistance in Gaza since the onset of the conflict. The nation has been operating field hospitals, donating hundreds of millions of dollars for food and medical supplies, and accepting many wounded Palestinians for treatment.
On May 8, 2025, high-level discussions took place in Abu Dhabi between Israeli officials, including Gen. Ghassan Alian, Israel's coordinator for Gaza, and Reem al-Hashimy, the UAE minister overseeing humanitarian aid. Alian explained the intended operations of the GHF, but al-Hashimy made it clear that the current proposal does not meet the UAE's requirements.
"As it stands, we cannot support this initiative," al-Hashimy stated, emphasizing the need for a mechanism that truly addresses the humanitarian crisis. This rejection is particularly impactful as the UAE's endorsement was seen as crucial for encouraging other nations to join the initiative.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee announced on May 9 that the process to launch the new aid mechanism is underway. He stated, "President Trump thinks one of the most urgent things is to get humanitarian aid into Gaza... food needs to be distributed safely inside Gaza and Hamas shouldn't be able to steal it." Huckabee described the aid mechanism as a partnership among governments, NGOs, and nonprofits worldwide, claiming that initial responses have been positive.
However, skepticism remains regarding the GHF's actual capacity to deliver aid. A memo from the GHF indicates that the initiative will only initially feed about 60% of Gaza's population, which totals around 2 million people. The plan is to establish four Secure Distribution Sites (SDSs) that can serve 1.2 million individuals, with potential for expansion beyond that number. Yet, the memo does not clarify how long the initial phase will last.
Critics have pointed out that the GHF's plans do not reflect the urgent reality in Gaza, where civilians are facing extreme deprivation. The aid distribution hubs will operate under strict conditions, with only five to six thousand vetted representatives allowed to access the sites to collect food and supplies. Each distribution box is expected to contain 50 meals, hygiene kits, and medical supplies.
Moreover, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have acknowledged that Gazans are nearing starvation due to the lack of aid since the collapse of a ceasefire with Hamas on March 1, 2025. Despite this acknowledgment, Israeli officials are still pushing for the GHF's implementation, hoping that some countries might begin to accept Palestinian refugees to alleviate the situation.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the Trump administration is reportedly pressuring international aid organizations to cooperate with the GHF initiative. Some organizations, including the World Food Program, have been warned that their U.S. funding could be at risk if they do not align with the new plan.
In light of the ongoing conflict and the humanitarian needs in Gaza, the GHF's efforts to establish a viable aid distribution mechanism face significant challenges. The lack of international support, particularly from the UAE, raises questions about the feasibility of the initiative and the extent to which it can effectively address the dire situation on the ground.
As discussions continue, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that will not only facilitate the distribution of humanitarian aid but also contribute to a broader peace process in the region. The stakes are high, and the need for a comprehensive and effective response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has never been more urgent.
