International aid organizations cautioned Friday that Israeli proposals for managing aid distribution in Gaza, including a plan supported by the U.S., would merely exacerbate the suffering and mortality in the ravaged Palestinian territory, urging Israel to end its nearly three-month blockade on essential supplies like food.

Mike Huckabee, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, announced the imminent launch of a new U.S.-designed aid mechanism and called on the United Nations and other relief organizations to engage. The U.N. has thus far declined to participate, arguing that the new system instrumentalizes aid, risks widespread displacement of Palestinians, contravenes principles of impartiality, and is incapable of delivering aid on the required scale.

Amidst the now routine scenes of despair in Gaza, throngs of Palestinians congregated at a charitable kitchen in the southern city of Khan Younis, competing and signalling with their containers for servings of pasta. These kitchens represent practically the sole remaining food source for the territory's 2.3 million inhabitants, yet scores have ceased operations recently as provisions dwindle under Israel's closure. Humanitarian organizations anticipate further closures are impending.

Having missed out on the available food for the day, Raed al-Zaharna and his children departed with nothing.

Since March 2, Israel has reportedly impeded the entry of vital provisions, including food, medicine, and fuel, into Gaza. This measure is purportedly aimed at compelling Hamas to release hostages and disarm. Furthermore, this action is said to have abrogated a ceasefire agreement and intensified hostilities throughout the territory.

Israel has stated it will not reinstate aid until a new distribution mechanism is established, supplanting the extensive operation managed by the U.N. and independent relief agencies during the 19-month conflict. Israel alleges that Hamas and other militant groups are diverting aid, although it has yet to substantiate these accusations. The U.N. refutes claims of substantial diversion, asserting that it oversees the distribution process.

"It is crucial that humanitarian assistance is not employed as a negotiating tool," stated UNICEF spokesperson James Elder in Geneva. "A straightforward solution exists: remove the blockade, allow humanitarian aid access, and preserve human lives."

Huckabee stated that specifics of the forthcoming U.S.-supported system would be disclosed shortly, with shipments anticipated to commence imminently, though he provided no definite timeline.

He said it would be separate from Israel, and Israel would not be involved in giving out the aid. He mentioned that private companies would handle security, while the Israeli army would protect the outer areas from a distance. He repeated Israel's claims that this was needed because Hamas was taking the aid.

"I'll be the first to concede it won't be flawless, particularly in the initial stages," Huckabee stated.

Documents obtained by The Associated Press reveal that a newly formed, U.S.-backed organisation, known as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), has put forward a proposal for an aid distribution scheme designed to align with Israel’s stipulations, with the group comprising American security professionals, former governmental figures, retired military personnel, and aid workers.

In its proposal, GHF stated that it would initially establish four distribution centres, overseen by private security companies, each serving 300,000 people and thus covering only approximately half of Gaza's population. Huckabee indicated that the system would be expanded "as soon as feasible."

Aid workers say Palestinians would have to move to the distribution centers or walk long distances to get to them. This would cause a forced movement of people, leaving large areas of Gaza empty. Although the locations for these centers have not been decided, aid workers say that based on information they have received, it seems none will be in northern Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians live.

Throughout the conflict, Israel has consistently urged Palestinians to evacuate the northern areas, including Gaza City, asserting this measure is for their protection while forces engage Hamas combatants.

According to Elder, the scheme would consolidate the use of forced displacement "for political and military ends." He further noted that the most susceptible individuals, such as children, the elderly, and those with health issues, might struggle to reach the designated hubs.

Last month, a statement from 20 aid organisations working in Gaza asserted the plan would effectively confine Palestinians to specific areas around the centres under conditions akin to internment.

Furthermore, aid organisations report that Israel intends to screen aid recipients, leading to concerns that it might deliberately restrict aid based on political or military considerations, despite the GHF plan stating that aid distribution would be based on necessity.

Elder also warned that civilians would be in danger when trying to get help in areas with military presence.

Elder stated, "This plan is likely to lead to increased suffering, a greater risk of mortality, and more injuries among children."

Aid officials contend that the proposed system will simply be insufficient in providing adequate assistance. Relief organizations have managed numerous distribution hubs throughout Gaza, disseminating provisions such as food, water, and shelter materials, concurrently supporting healthcare facilities, operating shelters, and executing various other initiatives.

The operation has been led by UNRWA, the main UN agency for Palestinian refugees. Israel stopped the agency from working last year, saying that Hamas members had joined its staff. UNRWA, which has more than 10,000 workers in Gaza, said it quickly removes anyone thought to be connected to militants, and that Israel has not shown any proof for its claims.

Juliette Touma, the spokesperson for UNRWA, stated that the agency possesses "the most extensive scope" and that "it is exceptionally challenging to conceive of any humanitarian endeavour without UNRWA's involvement."

Ruth James, who is Oxfam's regional humanitarian coordinator, said that big networks are necessary to make sure everyone gets aid. She explained that this needs time and special skills. She also warned that any new system that starts too quickly, without humanitarian experience and trust from local people, will not be able to do this job.

Huckabee urged U.N. agencies and aid organisations to participate in the new mechanism.

According to Jens Laerke, a spokesperson for the U.N. humanitarian office, concerns raised by the United Nations have not been adequately addressed in numerous discussions with Israeli officials, and he refuted assertions that aid theft was substantial.

The fundamental issue lies in the daily obstruction of hundreds of essential aid trucks intended for the Gaza Strip, which constitutes the primary driver of the humanitarian crisis.