U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee announced Friday that Israel will not play a role in distributing humanitarian aid in Gaza. Huckabee emphasized that while Israel will maintain its role in Gaza’s security, the task of aid delivery will fall to other international partners and private security contractors.
“President Trump wants food distributed in Gaza safely and efficiently,” Huckabee said. He stressed the administration’s goal of ensuring humanitarian aid reaches civilians while avoiding involvement from groups incapable or unwilling to provide it.
Ambassador Huckabee likewise highlighted the negligence of Hamas, the elected government in the Gaza Strip, in facilitating the effective transfer of supplies to the Gazan population. “Hamas is not capable or willing to provide it [the aid],” Huckabee added.
While Huckabee confirmed that several partners have signed onto the aid plan, he did not disclose their identities, noting they have committed funding but prefer to remain unnamed. He clarified that the mechanism for delivering aid will not depend on military action and is expected to begin soon.
The ambassador explained that private security firms will be tasked with protecting aid workers and ensuring that food distribution adheres to international humanitarian standards. “Everything will be in line with rules of international humanitarian law vis-a-vis rules of engagement due to the private security’s involvement,” Huckabee stated.
