Despite criticising the GHF, the international community has not come up with alternatives for UNRWA. The EU, for example, is largely leaving the matter of aid distribution in Israel’s hands. “We count on Israel to implement every measure agreed,” EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas stated after announcing a deal with Israel to open more border crossings and aid routes. “The aim is not to punish Israel. The aim is to really improve the situation in Gaza,” Kallas explained.

Taking into consideration the current humanitarian disaster in Gaza, why would the EU not want to punish Israel for genocide? Why would the EU not try to come up with alternatives that would ensure safe delivery of humanitarian aid? Without punitive measures and accountability for genocide, and without alternatives to the GHF, the distribution sites will continue contributing to the genocide.

Israel no longer needs to repeat its security narrative as it did at the start of the genocide. The message has been completely absorbed by its international allies. But the GHF’s constant reminders, such as blaming ‘elements’ for any killings occurring at distribution sites or their vicinities helps to maintain continuity and perpetuate an alleged reason for its presence and the violence unleashed upon the Palestinian people, as if bombs were not enough. The EU, meanwhile, conveniently works around what needs to be faced, because, as Kallas stated, the aim is not to punish Israel. Without punishing colonialism, there can only be rewards for colonialism.