On May 9, 2025, the United States announced that Israel would not be part of its plan to distribute food aid in Gaza, where food shortages have been exacerbated since the blockade was imposed on March 2, 2025.

To ensure safety at distribution points, private security will be employed, while the Israeli army will provide remote security amid ongoing conflicts.

Bassem Naim, a member of Hamas's political bureau, remarked that the US plan, which excludes Israel, signifies a tactical rift between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The ongoing conflict, which escalated after a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, has resulted in the deaths of 1,218 Israelis, predominantly civilians.

In response, Israeli military actions have led to at least 52,787 deaths in Gaza, primarily among civilians, according to the Hamas Health Ministry, a source deemed reliable by the UN.

UN officials and NGOs have raised alarms about severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel in Gaza, impacting approximately 2.4 million people after over 19 months of conflict.

Despite these claims, Israel asserts there is no humanitarian crisis, arguing that the blockade is intended to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages taken during the October 7 attack.

In a recent press conference, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee confirmed that while military security will be provided to Israel, the country will not participate in the distribution or transportation of food aid to Gaza.

Currently, of the 251 individuals kidnapped during the October attack, 58 are still held in Gaza, including 34 confirmed dead by the Israeli army, along with the remains of a soldier from a previous conflict.

Recent Israeli airstrikes have resulted in additional casualties, with reports indicating that 15 people were killed in these attacks across Gaza.

Huckabee acknowledged the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, attributing the situation to Hamas's alleged misappropriation of aid and emphasizing the necessity for a humanitarian assistance program.

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has stated that its role in aid distribution is irreplaceable, highlighting the challenges of conducting humanitarian operations without its involvement.