Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is actively working to address the ongoing dispute between the United Nations (U.N.) and Israel regarding the delivery of U.S. aid to Gaza. The aid, intended to help desperate residents in the war-torn strip, has been sitting untouched on a beach due to disagreements over the distribution process.

Documentation obtained by ABC News reveals that the dispute revolves around whether aid workers responsible for distributing the supplies can carry protective gear, radios, and other sensitive equipment. Israel, known for closely screening goods entering Gaza, has blocked the entrance of sophisticated protective equipment, citing concerns that it could end up in the hands of Hamas, the ruling party in Gaza.

The situation escalated further this week when U.N. officials threatened to suspend humanitarian aid operations across Gaza unless their demands for security equipment were met. In response, high-level private meetings were held in Washington between U.N. representatives and Defense Minister Gallant.

The U.N. emphasizes the need for effective security protocols and equipment to manage risks in Gaza. Muhannad Hadi, a top U.N. official, conveyed this message in a letter to the Israel Defense Forces on June 17. Gallant personally committed to resolving the issue in order to resume the movement of humanitarian aid.

Gallant reiterates that the focus of the conflict is with Hamas, not the innocent civilian population of Gaza. As Minister of Defense, he expresses his full commitment to humanitarian efforts and cooperation with the international community to improve the situation in Gaza.

The disagreement between the U.N. and Israel has complicated U.S. efforts to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza. President Joe Biden prioritized aid delivery following the Hamas attacks in October 7, but the dispute has hindered these efforts. The U.S. military constructed a pier to establish a maritime corridor for aid, but it has faced challenges due to high seas and operational complexities.

The pier has been temporarily shut down multiple times since its inception six weeks ago. Discussions are currently underway to determine whether it will be reinstated at all. Furthermore, distribution has been a major hurdle as the 19 million pounds of aid already delivered have been piling up due to the temporary suspension of distribution by the U.N.'s World Food Programme after an Israeli hostage rescue operation incident near the pier.

The U.N.'s Hadi outlines specific demands in the June 17 letter, including a mechanism for operational coordination with the Israel Defense Forces and the allowance of armored vehicles, spare parts, personal protective equipment, and sophisticated communication equipment for aid workers. U.S. officials view these requests as reasonable and support Israel's approval of these items.

Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the Secretary-General of the United Nations, highlights that discussions with Israel regarding security conditions in Gaza are ongoing. The U.N. simply seeks the necessary tools to run operations in the war zone.

As the stalemate continues, the affected population in Gaza anxiously awaits the resolution of this dispute in order to alleviate their suffering through the much-needed humanitarian aid.