Scoop: U.S. consultants gave Israel plan to secure aid delivery in Gaza
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An aid truck is looted after entering Gaza. Photo: Abed Rahim Khatib/picture alliance via Getty
U.S. national security consulting company Orbis recently delivered to the Israeli government a study on how to securely deliver humanitarian aid in Gaza, according to two Israeli officials.
Why it matters: The U.S. has pressed Israel to get more aid into Gaza, but the breakdown of law and order in the enclave means even the supplies that do enter are frequently looted, and often end up on the black market. Orbis was tasked with delivering a plan to safely distribute the aid.
- In one incident on Saturday, a convoy of 109 UN aid trucks was looted at gunpoint.
- Israel has also stopped allowing in aid trucks organized through the private sector in Gaza, arguing much of it was going to Hamas and helping the group retain its influence.
- Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is at arguably its worst point since the war began.
Behind the scenes: In recent months, Virginia-based Orbis conducted a feasibility study funded by a private philanthropic organization about ways to secure humanitarian aid delivery in Gaza.
- Israeli officials said the study was sent to the Israeli Ministry of Defense and Prime Minister's Office, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a meeting on Tuesday to discuss it with several senior ministers and the heads of the Israel Defense Forces and intelligence services.
Zoom in: Sources briefed on the Orbis plan said it envisions a pilot project involving the establishment of a humanitarian aid hub in an area in Gaza that has been "cleared" by the IDF and isn't controlled by Hamas.
- The hub would be established by a private aid organization (rather than the UN) and be secured by private contractors, working in coordination with the IDF.
- During the work on the study, Orbis spoke to several private security contractors to get their input, the sources said.
- The plan calls for the project to be funded by donor countries. Israeli officials mentioned the UAE as a potential donor.
Between the lines: One source said the aim is to try and "stabilize" the humanitarian situation in Gaza for a transition period until a more comprehensive post-war policy is drafted.
- In a statement to Axios, Orbis made clear that it would have no role in the future work on the ground in Gaza.
- Netanyahu's office didn't respond to questions about the study.
