Australian Billionaire Proposes Lifeline For Gaza With Secure Aid Delivery System

Andrew Forrest, an Australian billionaire and founder of the Minderoo Foundation, is proposing a groundbreaking solution to deliver food aid to Palestinians in Gaza. His plan involves constructing a secure gate system along the Israel-Gaza border, potentially enabling the delivery of 10,000 metric tons of food aid daily to those in need.

Forrest unveiled this ambitious proposal at an emergency summit on Gaza in Jordan, co-hosted by Jordan, Egypt, and the United Nations. The summit was attended by high-profile figures, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

In addition to his proposal, Forrest has pledged $5 million to enhance the Jordanian humanitarian land corridor by constructing storage warehouses to facilitate more aid into Gaza. "The Jordanian people are shouldering a significant burden by leading the most effective route into Gaza. My aim is to ease their load," stated Forrest, a noted mining magnate and environmental advocate.

Minderoo's video presentation detailed the plan to build SafeGates at three points along the Israel-Gaza border, which could be operational within three weeks pending Israeli approval. Forrest emphasized that the project has been in development with consultations from both Israeli and Palestinian communities over the past two months. CNN has reached out to Israel for comments on the plan.

The project, developed by Fortescue, Forrest's iron ore mining and green energy company, involves installing three remotely monitored access points at undisclosed locations along the border. These points will conduct 3D scans of trucks delivering aid, ensuring security as they enter and exit.

"Located at crossing points into Gaza, the gates will be operated by a third party with remote monitoring capabilities over the facilities and scanning equipment, determining the gates’ operational hours," explained Forrest. He stressed that the plan incurs no cost to Israel and respects existing boundaries. On the Gazan side, aid distribution will involve existing networks of agencies, businesses, and community groups.

This initiative aims to complement other aid efforts for Palestinians, who have endured continuous bombardment by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) since a deadly attack by Hamas militants on Israel last October. That attack resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 Israelis and the capture of over 250 hostages. Although four hostages were recently rescued, approximately 116 are still believed to be in Gaza, either alive or dead.

Since October 7, Israel's campaign against Hamas has resulted in over 37,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Ministry of Health. Despite the IDF's claims that hundreds of aid trucks are entering Gaza, aid organizations argue that supplies are not reaching those in need.

A video of the SafeGates system illustrates trucks approaching an automated entry gate for a 3D security scan before entering a secure compound. Once inside, the driver exits back to Israel, while a new driver from Gaza retrieves the truck. The vehicle is scanned again on the Gaza side, and upon clearance, aid is unloaded before the truck returns to Israel through the same process. This system is designed to prevent unauthorized access and potential security breaches.

The aid delivery process into Gaza has often been stalled by Israeli inspections and occasional closures of access points. The US has attempted alternative methods, such as airdrops and constructing a floating pier for maritime aid deliveries. However, the pier was damaged by rough seas shortly after its operation began, halting deliveries until repairs were made.

International condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza is intensifying. Recently, the United Nations Security Council approved a US-backed ceasefire plan, although Israel has vowed to continue its military operations, refusing "meaningless" negotiations with Hamas.

Amidst this, mass hunger poses a severe threat to Palestinians in Gaza. The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) recently reported that it is "possible, if not likely" that famine thresholds were crossed in northern Gaza in April. FEWS NET, funded by the US Agency for International Development, is a key provider of early warning and analysis on global food insecurity. The report warns that famine could persist until at least July without significant changes in food assistance distribution and access.

Forrest's proposal, if implemented, could provide a critical lifeline to the beleaguered residents of Gaza, ensuring that much-needed aid reaches those who are suffering the most.