UN will not participate in US-backed aid operation

The United Nations said on Thursday it will not take part in a US-backed humanitarian operation in Gaza because it is not impartial, neutral or independent, while Israel pledged to facilitate the effort without being involved in aid deliveries.

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"This particular distribution plan does not accord with our basic principles, including those of impartiality, neutrality, independence, and we will not be participating in this," deputy UN spokesperson Farhan Haq told reporters on Thursday.

Meanwhile, senior Hamas official Basem Naim said that the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip, under an Israeli blockade since March 2, was the "minimum requirement" for negotiations.

"The minimum requirement for a conducive and constructive negotiation environment is compelling (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu's government to open the crossings and allow the entry of humanitarian aid," Naim said in a statement. "The US administration, under President Trump, has the capacity to enforce this humanitarian obligation."

The US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation will start work in Gaza by the end of May under a heavily-criticised distribution plan, but has asked Israel to let the United Nations and others resume deliveries now until it is set up.

The foundation has also asked Israel to expand an initial limited number of so-called secure aid distribution sites in Gaza's south to the enclave's north within 30 days.