Academic Paper: Managing Humanitarian Aid under Israeli Restrictions in the Post-Genocide Phase: An Analysis of Relief Flows to Gaza Strip (Arabic)

Reading Time: 2 minutes

By: Dr. Raed Muhammad Hillis.
(Exclusively for al-Zaytouna Centre).

Al-Zaytouna Centre for Studies and Consultations published a paper titled “Humanitarian Aid Management under Israeli Restrictions in the Post-Genocide Phase: An Analysis of Relief Flows to Gaza Strip,” by Dr. Raed Muhammad Hillis.

The study analyzes the management and delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza Strip (GS) following the Gaza war of 2023–2025, a period the study terms the “post-genocide phase.” It underscores the significant challenges posed by both direct and indirect Israeli restrictions on relief operations, despite the implementation of the ceasefire under the “Trump Peace Plan.”

The study adopted a qualitative analytical approach, combining document and international report reviews with field analysis. It revealed extensive destruction of critical infrastructure, human capital and livelihoods, generating substantial urgent humanitarian needs.

The results further showed that aid flows remained well below agreed levels, constrained by restrictive policies such as controlled crossings, limits on permitted goods, prolonged bureaucratic procedures, and the arbitrary expansion of the “dual-use” list, including essential materials for reconstruction, nutrition and fuel.

The study concluded that these restrictions transform humanitarian aid from a tool of immediate relief into an instrument of political and economic pressure, thereby obstructing any prospects for the early recovery of the Strip in the aftermath of the genocidal war.

Accordingly, the study proposed policies to enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian interventions, emphasizing the intensification of international pressure to ensure full aid access. These measures included establishing joint monitoring mechanisms to oversee entry, transparently reclassifying essential goods, strengthening coordination between international and local actors, and pursuing international legal avenues to hold violators accountable. Collectively, these steps aim to protect civilians while gradually enabling GS to restore its recovery and reconstruction capacities.