Context:

Israel is preparing new distribution sites in Gaza for humanitarian aid, despite UN and international opposition, as part of a controversial aid plan supported by the US. The suspension of food and medicine deliveries into Gaza by Israel, intended to pressure Hamas, has led to severe shortages, with the UN warning of a critical risk of famine for Gaza's 2.1 million residents. Satellite images analyzed by BBC Verify reveal significant construction of roads and staging areas in southern and central Gaza, though the UN and Oxfam criticize the plan as a military strategy that marginalizes vulnerable populations. The proposed hubs, not yet finalized by Israel, are intended to be operated by private companies and protected by security forces, but face strong condemnation from humanitarian organizations for potentially using aid as leverage. The plan's execution remains uncertain, with calls for Israel to lift the blockade and allow aid through established channels until the new distribution centers are functional.

Dive Deeper:

• Israel's suspension of aid in March, criticized worldwide, aims to pressure Hamas to release hostages, but has resulted in severe shortages in Gaza, risking famine for its 2.1 million inhabitants, according to UN assessments.

• The US-backed plan involves constructing distribution hubs within Gaza, operated by private entities and guarded by security personnel, but it has faced opposition from the UN, which argues it contradicts humanitarian principles.

• Satellite images show construction of new roads and staging areas in southern and central Gaza, with at least four sites planned in the south and one near the Netzarim Corridor, though their exact locations are undisclosed.

• The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation plans to begin operations by the end of May, initially targeting aid for 1.2 million people, but calls for continued aid through traditional channels until the new system is fully operational.

• UN officials and organizations like Oxfam have criticized the plan, accusing Israel of using aid as a military strategy and forcibly displacing people, emphasizing the need to lift the blockade and open crossings for effective aid delivery.

• The proposed distribution sites, identified through satellite imagery, resemble existing open-air sites in Gaza and are strategically located near IDF bases, suggesting a military oversight in their operation.

• Despite significant construction and planning, the aid plan has not received final approval from the Israeli government, leaving its future uncertain amidst calls for the restoration of regular aid channels.