Summary of "The Struggle to Get Aid Into Gaza" - The Journal Podcast
Introduction
In the June 4, 2025 episode of The Journal, hosted by Jessica Mendoza and Ryan Knutson, the focus is on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, now extending into its 20th month without a foreseeable resolution. The episode delves into the escalating humanitarian crisis, the controversial new aid distribution plan, and the myriad challenges faced in delivering essential assistance to the beleaguered population of Gaza.
Prolonged Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
Jessica Mendoza opens the discussion by highlighting the persistent nature of the Israel-Hamas war:
“The Israel Hamas war in Gaza is Now in month 20 with no end in sight.” [00:05]
Anat Pelid, a colleague covering the conflict, provides an update on the stalled ceasefire negotiations:
“The war is grinding on and negotiations for a ceasefire for hostage exchange are officially ongoing. But we haven't seen any breakthrough yet.” [00:12]
As the conflict drags on, the humanitarian situation deteriorates. Mendoza outlines the worsening crisis:
“A crisis that's been getting worse. Last week, a controversial new plan was put in place to help distribute aid. It's backed by Israel and the US and it promises to deliver food to Palestinians in Gaza. But implementation has been mired in chaos and disorder.” [00:23]
Challenges in Aid Distribution
The episode details the tumultuous attempts to distribute humanitarian aid amidst ongoing violence. Anat Pelid describes the chaos at distribution sites:
“On the first day of the launch, we saw large crowds break into one of the distribution sites and there was looting and there was chaos and the American staff had to retreat.” [00:51]
Mendoza adds the toll of these disruptions:
“Violence has broken out twice this week as Palestinians made their way to a distribution Center. More than 40 Gazans have been killed trying to get aid.” [01:29]
The blurred lines between combatants and civilians complicate aid efforts, leading to dire shortages and starvation. Anat Pelid emphasizes the severe conditions:
“The situation is pretty bad. A lot of people are living in tents. There's very little food. So we're seeing kind of a state of chaos as Hamas kind of also loses some sort of grip on the Strip or, you know, it's weakened. There's just kind of a breakdown.” [02:21]
Evolution of Humanitarian Aid Efforts
Historically, the United Nations managed aid distribution through hundreds of sites. However, as the conflict intensified, aid influx became perilous. Anat Pelid explains:
“The UN was saying not enough trucks are going in. They would count it by trucks. The aim was like hundreds. But there was just a bit of back and forth also between the UN and Israel, kind of both sides kind of accusing each other of being responsible for not enough aid going in.” [04:13]
By mid-2024, aid trucks became targets for looters and militants, severely hindering delivery efforts. A temporary ceasefire in January allowed a surge in aid flow, but the subsequent blockade imposed by Israel in March halted the influx once again, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Introduction of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)
In response to the ongoing blockade, Israel and the US introduced a new aid plan managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Mendoza poses critical questions about this new entity:
“Aid would begin flowing into Gaza through a new group called the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Can you tell us about them? Who are they and who funds them?” [06:20]
Anat Pelid sheds light on the uncertainties surrounding GHF:
“There's a lot of question marks about this new aid plan. So we know it's basically an Israeli American plan. The Gaza Humanitarian foundation is a private entity that's kind of overseeing this whole aid operation. So it's basically registered in the US currently, and they are basically leading the whole effort. But they've also had some crises going into this. There was the resignation of Jake Wood, who was the chief of the foundation. And there's a lot of questions about the funding.” [07:28]
Operational Challenges and Security Concerns
GHF's aid distribution differs significantly from the UN's approach, operating only four centers with limited geographical coverage. Anat Pelid explains:
“GHF has set up four plan centers... we don't have sites in the north at the moment, which is an issue, because before there were many possibilities to go get aid, but now it's trickier.” [08:44]
The aid distribution is secured by Safe Reach Solutions (SRS), a private security company:
“GHF relies on a private security company called Safe Reach Solutions, or SRS, the company is based in the US and they are working with GHF and they are basically tasked with delivering the aid.” [08:32]
However, employing a security firm for aid administration is unconventional. Anat Pelid notes:
“It is unusual. We're not quite sure why they were selected. They're pretty new in the game.” [10:01]
On-the-Ground Reality and Violence
Despite GHF's efforts, the distribution process remains fraught with violence and inefficiency. Mendoza highlights incidents where aid centers became hotspots for clashes:
“On Sunday, we had an incident where basically large crowds were making their way again to the one distribution center that's open in Rafah... the Israeli military fired warning shots... more than 20 Gazans were killed.” [15:16]
Witness accounts reveal the human cost of these failures. Mohammed Nahal, a 44-year-old from Khan Younis, recounts:
“They saw dead people around him, including his cousin, who was shot, he says was killed.” [17:16]
Similarly, Ayman Al Gharib, a 42-year-old from Rafah, describes the chaos:
“They began to be fired at around 3am... he also saw a person next to him who he said was killed.” [18:54]
These testimonies contradict GHF's statements that no shootings occurred at their centers, indicating a severe disconnect between official narratives and on-the-ground realities.
Criticism and Perception of GHF
The new aid system has been met with widespread criticism. Over 20 countries and aid groups have expressed concerns:
“Critics are also concerned about Israel's involvement in the distribution of aid.” [10:29]
Palestinian civilians express frustration over the perceived unfairness of the aid distribution process. Anat Pelid summarizes their sentiment:
“A lot of people we spoke to have said that the system is unfair. So there's no checks on who's taking. Maybe you come every day for several boxes, and maybe, you know, one person just isn't able to get any.” [20:36]
GHF's response to the violence has been to tout the number of meals delivered, while eyewitness reports suggest that safety and fairness are severely compromised.
Current Status and Future Outlook
As of late May, GHF initiated its first aid deliveries, but the outcomes have been disappointing. Anat Pelid reflects:
“I would say that the system is characterized right now by violence and chaos and disorder.” [11:24]
The organization has paused operations for reorganization, planning to reopen with potential improvements. However, the prevailing outlook remains bleak. Anat Pelid conveys the grim reality for Gaza's residents:
“I don't think it's looking very good. People are trying to survive. It's just a really low moment right now.” [21:40]
Conclusion
The episode concludes with a somber reflection on the dire circumstances in Gaza. Despite international efforts and new aid initiatives like the GHF, the combination of ongoing conflict, logistical challenges, and security issues continues to impede effective humanitarian assistance. The voices of Gaza's civilians underscore the urgent need for a sustainable ceasefire and a more equitable aid distribution system to alleviate the suffering of millions caught in this prolonged conflict.
Notable Quotes
- Jessica Mendoza: “Violence has broken out twice this week as Palestinians made their way to a distribution Center. More than 40 Gazans have been killed trying to get aid.” [01:29]
- Anat Pelid: “The situation is pretty bad. A lot of people are living in tents. There's very little food.” [02:21]
- Mohammed Nahal: “He saw dead people around him, including his cousin, who was shot, he says was killed.” [17:16]
- Ayman Al Gharib: “They began to be fired at around 3am... he also saw a person next to him who he said was killed.” [18:54]
- Anat Pelid: “It's just been such chaos this past week.” [21:40]
Additional Reporting
This episode includes additional reporting by Suha Maaya and Abeerayoub, providing comprehensive insights into the complexities of delivering humanitarian aid in conflict zones.
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