US Takes Lead in Coordinating Aid to Gaza

Washington has assumed a central role in supervising the transfer and coordination of humanitarian aid to Gaza with Israel, as part of President Trump’s ceasefire plan.

According to The Washington Post, the US-led Civil-Military Coordination Center will oversee the entry of aid into Gaza, taking on responsibilities previously managed by Israel. A US official and informed sources confirmed that while Israel remains involved in the process, the center will decide what aid enters Gaza and how it is delivered.

An Israeli security official stated that Israeli agencies will continue to participate in policy, oversight, and monitoring decisions, which will be made jointly. The official added that the US will lead coordination with the international community, while restrictions on NGOs delivering aid and on so-called dual-use materials, items Israel considers both civilian and military, remain in place.

The Israeli army radio clarified that final authority over humanitarian aid entry remains with Tel Aviv. An Israeli security source confirmed that Israel’s political leadership will retain exclusive control over what materials are permitted or prohibited.

Meanwhile, Egypt renewed calls for advancing to the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement during talks between Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aati and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaya Kallas. The first phase included a halt to military operations, partial Israeli withdrawal, a prisoner exchange, and delivery of humanitarian aid.

In line with the agreement, Israel announced on Saturday that a body received from Hamas via the International Red Cross belonged to an Israeli-Argentinian hostage killed on October 7, 2023. In return, Israel handed over the remains of 15 Palestinians.

Following this transfer, five bodies remain in Gaza, including those of three Israelis, one Thai national, and an Israeli soldier killed during the 2014 war. The return of bodies is part of the ceasefire terms effective since October 10.

The Israeli army stated that after identification procedures at the National Forensic Institute, the hostage’s family was notified, and the body was returned to Israel for burial. In Gaza, Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis received 15 Palestinian bodies previously held by Israel, transferred via the Red Cross under the ceasefire agreement.