from geneva_convenience@lemmy.ml to world@lemmy.world on 31 May 09:39
https://lemmy.ml/post/30937704
A US military contractor, Safe Reach Solutions (SRS), has signed an agreement with a little-known Palestinian company, “Three Brothers”, to run one of four Israeli-approved aid distribution hubs, the Financial Times reported. The scheme — developed under the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) — has been rejected by nearly all major aid groups, with former GHF chief Jake Wood resigning days before launch, citing ethical concerns.
SRS, founded by a former CIA officer, reportedly approached numerous reputable Palestinian firms to help staff the new aid centres, but was turned away. Prominent businessmen warned that the project undermines humanitarian concerns and serves as a political cover for Israeli efforts to forcibly relocate Palestinians under the guise of aid.
With established actors refusing to take part, SRS turned to lesser-known entities. Three Brothers, the company eventually contracted, is reportedly well known to the Israeli security establishment. According to multiple Palestinian businessmen and officials, the firm had little prominence before receiving Israeli approval to import goods earlier in the genocide. Its monopoly allowed the unknown group to resell permits at inflated prices.
The UN and most NGOs have refused to participate in the scheme, which bypasses international mechanisms in favour of militarised contractor-run sites. These centres are coordinated with Israeli forces and, according to sources, rely on foreign operatives and mercenaries — including reports of warlords, drug traffickers and former Daesh members enlisted to help enforce order.
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