Israel not involved in new Gaza aid plan, only in providing security: US

A US-backed mechanism for distributing aid into Gaza should take effect soon, Washington's ambassador to Israel said on May 9 ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to the Middle East, but he gave few details.

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JERUSALEM - A US-backed mechanism for distributing aid into Gaza should take effect soon, Washington's ambassador to Israel said on May 9 ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to the Middle East, but he gave few details.

Gaza's residents are facing a growing humanitarian crisis with Israel enforcing a months-long blockade on aid supplies to the small Palestinian enclave in its war against militant group Hamas.

Ambassador Mike Huckabee said several partners had already committed to taking part in the aid arrangement but declined to name them, saying details would be released in the coming days.

"There has been a good initial response," the former Republican governor told reporters at the embassy in Jerusalem.

"There are non-profit organisations that will be a part of the leadership," he said, adding that other organisations and governments would also need to be involved, though not Israel.

Tikva Forum, a hawkish Israeli group representing some relatives of hostages held in Gaza, criticised the announcement, saying aid deliveries should be conditional on Hamas releasing the 59 captives in Gaza.

Mr Trump, who wants to broker a deal that would see Israel and Saudi Arabia establish diplomatic relations, will visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates next week.