New aid system in Gaza has started operations, US-backed group says

Palestinians struggle to receive cooked food distributed at a community kitchen in the Muwasi area of Khan Younis. Picture: Abdel Kareem Hana/AP

A new aid system in Gaza has opened its first distribution hubs in the territory, according to a US-backed group that is taking over handling of supplies.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is backed by Israel and the United States but has been rejected by the United Nations and other aid groups, which say that Israel is trying to use food as a weapon.

They say a new distribution system will not be effective.

The foundation began operations on Monday despite the resignation of its executive director.

Gaza faces a growing humanitarian crisis after Israel’s nearly three-month blockade of supplies to pressure Hamas.

Israel has pushed for an alternative aid plan because it says it must stop Hamas from seizing aid.

The UN has denied that the militant group has diverted large amounts of aid.