New humanitarian centers would be located along the so-called the yellow line to which Israeli troops, who still control approximately half of the Gaza Strip, withdrew. The centers would serve Palestinians on both sides of the demarcation line and would also be “voluntary reconciliation centers” where Hamas fighters could lay down their weapons and receive amnesty in return. They would also constitute the base of the international stabilization forces being created for the Gaza Strip, Reuters calculated.
The agency talked to American officials and learned about the plans for this operation. It was noted that this is one of several concepts considered by the US.
Increasing the inflow of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip is part of the first phase of the ceasefire in Israel's war with Hamas, which has been in force since October 10. The agreement was adopted under the patronage of the United States and with the support of, among others, Arab countries.
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What changes does the new US plan for Gaza include?
What will replace the GHF Foundation?
What are the goals of the new humanitarian centers?
When did the first phase of the truce in Israel's war with Hamas begin?
Humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza
The Gaza Strip is devastated by a war that has lasted over two years. There is a large-scale humanitarian crisis there. At the end of August, the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) announced for the first time that there was famine in parts of the Gaza Strip, which may spread to other areas.
International organizations, including the UN, have long accused Israel of obstructing aid deliveries. According to the UN World Food Program (WFP), the flow of aid has increased since the ceasefire, but it is still insufficient.
According to Reuters, the Humanitarian Belt points would replace aid distribution centers run by the US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The organization started work in spring this year. and was intended to replace the UN and other groups, ensuring that aid would not be stolen by Hamas.
Since the end of May 2025, over 2.5 thousand Palestinians have been killed trying to obtain humanitarian aid and thousands have been injured by gunfire from Israeli soldiers, armed gangs and GHF security guards. Most incidents occurred near GHF points. The foundation was criticized, among others, by the UN and other humanitarian groups, it was accused of politicizing and militarizing aid. The aid centers described in the U.S. project bear a disturbing resemblance to GHF centers, one international aid agency official told Reuters.
