New Gaza Aid Group Faces Criticism, Harvard President Speaks Out, DEI Rollbacks
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What is the current status of humanitarian aid in Gaza?
Humanitarian aid is once again getting into Gaza.
After blocking aid for months, Israel lifted its ban last week. But there are questions about a new U.S.-backed aid group. What do we know about this group?
I'm A. Martinez. That is Michelle Martin. And this is Up First from NPR News. The Trump administration has targeted Harvard University policies, but its president, Alan Garber, says it's about something bigger. There are people who would like to see these universities brought down. Steve Inskeep spoke with Garber, and he'll tell us what he's learned.
And diversity, equity, and inclusion programs are being eliminated across corporate America. That has led to thousands of layoffs. Where do we go from here with DEI? Stay with us. We'll give you the news you need to start your day.
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What is the controversy surrounding the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation?
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A new group backed by the U.S. is beginning to bring food to Gaza where hunger is widespread and extreme.
Why are DEI programs being eliminated in corporate America?
But the group The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is facing suspicion and growing criticism from the U.N., which is running a separate effort to bring aid to Gaza. The group's own director resigned, saying the program is not humanitarian.
Israel says this program, as well as its intensified airstrikes on Gaza, are key to its overall strategy to defeat Hamas. With me now to tell us more about this is NPR's Daniel Estrin. He's on the line from Tel Aviv. Welcome, Daniel. Thanks for joining us.
Thank you, Michelle.
First of all, what food is getting into Gaza right now?
Israel started letting in limited quantities after a nearly three-month total ban. There was intense pressure from the U.S. to let food in because of malnutrition and warnings of a famine. But just this effort to get a little amount of food into Gaza has been chaotic. The United Nations World Food Program delivered flour and supplies to bakeries.
What are the implications of Israel's aid strategy for Gaza?
And just a couple of days ago, they were overwhelmed by hungry crowds and looters. There were reports of a shootout and the bakery shut down. And aid officials I'm speaking with are concerned that this could be a preview of what's to come as this new U.S.-backed group gets ready to deliver food to big crowds of hungry people.
So tell us more about this U.S.-backed group and the controversy surrounding it.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is a new entity. It involves American contractors. And instead of having food distributed in hundreds of points across Gaza, this group is going to be restricting that to four new zones with Israeli soldiers guarding the perimeter and private contractors giving out boxes of food to families once a week. And It says that it's begun distributing its first food boxes at one site yesterday, and it's going to be ramping up activities. But all the major aid groups in Gaza and the United Nations are refusing to cooperate. Jake Wood is the U.S. Marine veteran who directed the group. He abruptly resigned just as they were getting started. He said the plan cannot follow principles of humanity and neutrality.
And there really is not a lot of transparency about this group, Michelle. A private U.S. security company run by a former CIA officer is involved. It's posted a job posting online saying they'll train people on the job. And the group won't say where its funding is coming from. Israel's opposition leader is alleging that Israel is secretly funding the group.
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Chapters
7 chapters
1
What is the current status of humanitarian aid in Gaza?
0:02–1:15
2
What is the controversy surrounding the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation?
1:15–2:09
3
Why are DEI programs being eliminated in corporate America?
2:09–3:02
4
What are the implications of Israel's aid strategy for Gaza?
3:02–4:28
5
How is Harvard responding to the Trump administration's actions?
4:28–5:38
6
What does Alan Garber say about the future of education amidst political pressure?
5:38–6:30
7
What challenges does Harvard face regarding international students?
6:30–14:52
Speakers
9 identifiedMore from Up First from NPR
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