Israel considering US firm for biometric screening of Palestinians in Gaza
Israel is considering a plan to deploy private US logistics and security companies to create a "gated community" in Gaza where Palestinians would be subjected to biometric screenings to receive aid, according to media reports.
Drop Site News reported on Monday, citing Israeli media, that Israel's war cabinet discussed the proposals on Sunday, and was set to approve a "pilot" programme within the next two months.
According to Israeli news outlet Ynet, Global Delivery Company (GDC), which is run by Israeli-American businessman Mordechai Kahana, is in talks with the Israeli government to run the programme.
Israel has long discussed the idea of so-called "humanitarian bubbles" in northern Gaza, in which it would allow aid into an area if it deemed there was no presence of fighters.
Large parts of northern Gaza, in particular the Jabalia refugee camp, have been under a total siege over the past 17 days, with Israeli forces not allowing any food, clean water and medical supplies to enter.
Read more: Israel considering US firm for biometric screening of Palestinians in Gaza