Israel Pledges to Enhance Safety for Humanitarian Workers in Gaza, Reports USAID Head

The head of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Samantha Power, announced that Israel has committed to allowing aid workers to move more swiftly and safely within Gaza. This pledge aims to address the humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing conflict. Power revealed this development during an interview with The Associated Press.

Power stated, "We have not seen the kind of humanitarian system to this point that has allowed humanitarians to move efficiently and safely to the degree that we need." She added, "This week and through this visit, we have secured an agreement." The Israeli offensive, launched in response to Hamas' October 7 attack, has displaced over 80% of Gaza's 2.3 million residents, forcing many into makeshift tent camps.

Increased Aid Flow Through Ashdod Port

Israel has also taken steps to enhance aid delivery via its Ashdod port, located just north of Gaza. This move could provide donors with a new route for sending aid, as the U.S. plans to close its troubled maritime pier off Gaza's coast. Power toured the Ashdod port and noted that Israel is boosting its scanning capacity there to inspect goods destined for Gaza.

Power mentioned that a system was established where Israeli and U.S. militaries and the U.N. could communicate more effectively regarding the location of humanitarian workers. She said, "Having a system lined up where those aid workers can convey their coordinates, their movements to the Israeli army, and know that they are going to be safe in making those deliveries, that has not been an assurance that they have had throughout this conflict."

Challenges Faced by Humanitarian Workers

Despite these efforts, humanitarian groups have faced numerous challenges in delivering aid. Criminal gangs inside Gaza have looted aid trucks, adding another layer of difficulty for aid workers. Additionally, logistical issues and permit requirements from the military have hindered aid distribution.

The U.N. reports that since May, aid reaching Gaza has dropped to some of the lowest levels seen during the war. Although Israel claims it does not restrict aid entry into Gaza, supplies have accumulated at Israeli-controlled border crossings because the U.N. cannot collect them for distribution due to safety concerns.

U.S. Pledges Additional Aid

During her visit, Power announced that the U.S. would provide $100 million in new assistance to Palestinians. This funding will support the U.N.'s World Food Program and help deliver essential humanitarian aid across Gaza. Since the war began last October, the U.S. has donated a total of $774 million to Palestinians.

Power emphasised that significant improvements in Gaza's conditions would require a cease-fire. She urged Hamas to accept the latest proposals from international mediators, stating, "Hamas must accept the terms of the cease-fire, and then we will be in a position to flood the zone with humanitarian support on a scale that is just not possible when you have fighting."

Power highlighted her extensive experience working in conflict zones but noted that she had never encountered a more challenging environment for humanitarians than Gaza. She remarked, "My whole career has been working in and around conflict areas... I have never seen a more difficult conflict environment for humanitarians to work in."

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military or COGAT, the military body responsible for coordinating aid into Gaza. However, Power expressed optimism about implementing changes quickly, aiming for improvements within a week rather than a month.

The announcement marks a small victory for international efforts to increase aid deliveries to Gaza's desperate civilians nine months into the war. With Israel's new commitments and increased coordination between humanitarian groups and military forces, there is hope for better access and safer conditions for aid workers in Gaza.