A former security contractor for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has reported shocking incidents involving aid distribution sites where security personnel allegedly opened fire on unarmed civilians. In an exclusive interview with the BBC, he described hearing gunfire directed at groups of vulnerable individuals, including women and children, who were simply waiting in line for food. According to the contractor, during one instance, a guard fired from a watchtower due to perceived slowness in the crowd's movement. In response to these grave allegations, the GHF has vehemently denied the claims, labeling them as falsehoods and asserting that no civilians have ever been harmed at their sites.
Gaza Aid Distribution Under Fire: Alarming Allegations Surface
Gaza Aid Distribution Under Fire: Alarming Allegations Surface
Controversial claims emerge as a former contractor reveals incidents of gunfire on civilians during aid distributions in Gaza.
The GHF commenced its operations in Gaza at the end of May 2023, following an 11-week blockade that prevented food from entering the area, targeting aid distributions at several locations in southern and central Gaza. This approach has attracted criticism for compelling people to traverse active combat zones in search of basic necessities. Reports from the UN and local health officials indicate that over 400 Palestinians have died while attempting to collect food from these sites, amidst claims by Israel that the system aims to prevent aid from reaching Hamas.
The contractor, who has requested anonymity, described a troubling atmosphere within the GHF, stating that staff received no clear rules regarding the use of force, and were allegedly encouraged to shoot if they felt threatened. He recounted a disturbing moment when, after a shot rang out, there was laughter among the guards when they believed someone had been hit. The GHF's management brushed off his observations, branding him a "disgruntled former contractor" whose employment was terminated for misconduct—an assertion he disputes.
Evidence of a dangerous environment was illustrated through footage showcasing long lines of individuals waiting for aid in fenced corridors. The contractor revealed that GHF workers referred to the local population derogatorily and described practices that resulted in injuries to Palestinian aid seekers, including accidents involving stun grenades and pepper spray. He recalled witnessing several injuries, including a woman who was hit in the head by a metal object from a stun grenade, leaving her unresponsive on the ground.
In light of these serious allegations, over 170 NGOs, including Oxfam and Save the Children, have called for the termination of GHF operations. They argue that Israeli and militant forces routinely target those seeking aid. However, Israel denies intentionally targeting civilians, asserting that the GHF's operational structure allows for essential assistance to reach those in need while bypassing Hamas control.
As the conflict continues, recent reports indicate that the toll in Gaza has exceeded 57,000 deaths since Israel launched a military campaign in retaliation for Hamas's attacks that left approximately 1,200 people dead in Israel. The situation remains fluid, drawing attention to the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
The contractor, who has requested anonymity, described a troubling atmosphere within the GHF, stating that staff received no clear rules regarding the use of force, and were allegedly encouraged to shoot if they felt threatened. He recounted a disturbing moment when, after a shot rang out, there was laughter among the guards when they believed someone had been hit. The GHF's management brushed off his observations, branding him a "disgruntled former contractor" whose employment was terminated for misconduct—an assertion he disputes.
Evidence of a dangerous environment was illustrated through footage showcasing long lines of individuals waiting for aid in fenced corridors. The contractor revealed that GHF workers referred to the local population derogatorily and described practices that resulted in injuries to Palestinian aid seekers, including accidents involving stun grenades and pepper spray. He recalled witnessing several injuries, including a woman who was hit in the head by a metal object from a stun grenade, leaving her unresponsive on the ground.
In light of these serious allegations, over 170 NGOs, including Oxfam and Save the Children, have called for the termination of GHF operations. They argue that Israeli and militant forces routinely target those seeking aid. However, Israel denies intentionally targeting civilians, asserting that the GHF's operational structure allows for essential assistance to reach those in need while bypassing Hamas control.
As the conflict continues, recent reports indicate that the toll in Gaza has exceeded 57,000 deaths since Israel launched a military campaign in retaliation for Hamas's attacks that left approximately 1,200 people dead in Israel. The situation remains fluid, drawing attention to the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
