At the same time, the IDF is preparing to launch a new pilot program, likely near Rafah, in which IDF soldiers will supervise the distribution of aid directly to Gazan civilians and in coordination with international aid organizations. The main reason for this process is the concern of violation of international law, which would try not only the political echelon but the military commanders who operate on the ground as well. During the last 43 days of the ceasefire, Israel brought 600 truckloads of aid into Gaza each day - three times the amount provided during the fighting.
The aid mostly goes to support Hamas and keep it in power: Less than half of the aid is received by Gazan civilians, while the rest is taken over by Hamas, which takes some for itself and sells the rest of what it takes over for a high price. Last month, Israel's notoriously left-wing Supreme Court unanimously rejected a petition by human rights groups that claimed that international and Israeli law requires Israel to ensure the supply of humanitarian aid to civilians in the Gaza Strip. Supreme Court Chief Justice Yitzhak Amit clarified in the ruling that the State of Israel itself, as a general rule, does not provide humanitarian goods to the Gaza Strip, but rather would allow them to enter the Gaza Strip during the relevant time per the political echelon's instructions. Following the report, the IDF clarified that it acts "in accordance with the instructions of the political echelon.""No aid is transferred to Hamas' hands," the military stressed. (Source)
