The allegations against aid distribution guards come amid an ongoing contentious humanitarian operation in Gaza.
Ex-Gaza Contractor Alleges Aid Guards Opened Fire on Civilians
Ex-Gaza Contractor Alleges Aid Guards Opened Fire on Civilians
A former contractor for Gaza's aid distribution labels acts of violence against civilians, leading to widespread outcry.
A former security contractor for the controversial Gaza aid initiative supported by Israel and the U.S. has come forward with startling allegations, claiming he witnessed colleagues opening fire on unarmed Palestinians. The contractor, who spoke under condition of anonymity, recounted several instances where guards, purportedly under the authority of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), shot at civilians trying to access limited aid. One incident involved a guard firing from a watchtower using a machine gun at a slow-moving group that included women, children, and the elderly.
According to his account to the BBC, amidst the chaos, another contractor fired approximately 15 to 20 shots into the crowd, laughing after observing a Palestinian man collapse, raising serious ethical concerns about the conduct at these aid sites. The GHF has denied the allegations, asserting that no civilians have been harmed at their distribution centers and dismissed the contractor as a disgruntled former employee terminated for misconduct, a claim he refutes with evidence of continued payment after his departure.
The GHF initiated operations in Gaza in late May, distributing much-needed aid after an 11-week blockade left many families hungry. However, the operators have faced heavy criticism, as aid sites were reportedly established in perilous areas, creating a deadly environment for those seeking assistance. Reports indicate over 400 Palestinians have already died near GHF distribution points due to Israeli military actions, which they contend are necessary to prevent aid from falling into Hamas hands.
Continuous insights from the unnamed contractor reveal a troubling atmosphere characterized by a lack of clear operational protocols. He reported that team leaders instructed guards to "shoot to kill" if they felt threatened, underscoring a culture of impunity. Accompanying footage has surfaced, showing chaotic scenes at distribution sites; despite GHF's insistence that no civilians were harmed, the contractor contends otherwise, noting injuries from stun grenade debris and excessive crowd control measures.
Citing the alarming conditions surrounding these operations, over 170 charities and NGOs, including Oxfam and Save the Children, have called for the GHF's cessation. They assert that Israeli forces and local armed factions frequently open fire on those in need of aid, further complicating an already dire humanitarian crisis.
The situation in Gaza remains critical, with an estimated 57,130 people reported dead since the beginning of the Israeli military campaign following a Hamas-led attack on October 7, which resulted in about 1,200 Israeli casualties.
As these grave allegations surface, the intersection of humanitarian aid and military engagements continues to evoke widespread concern and demands for accountability.
According to his account to the BBC, amidst the chaos, another contractor fired approximately 15 to 20 shots into the crowd, laughing after observing a Palestinian man collapse, raising serious ethical concerns about the conduct at these aid sites. The GHF has denied the allegations, asserting that no civilians have been harmed at their distribution centers and dismissed the contractor as a disgruntled former employee terminated for misconduct, a claim he refutes with evidence of continued payment after his departure.
The GHF initiated operations in Gaza in late May, distributing much-needed aid after an 11-week blockade left many families hungry. However, the operators have faced heavy criticism, as aid sites were reportedly established in perilous areas, creating a deadly environment for those seeking assistance. Reports indicate over 400 Palestinians have already died near GHF distribution points due to Israeli military actions, which they contend are necessary to prevent aid from falling into Hamas hands.
Continuous insights from the unnamed contractor reveal a troubling atmosphere characterized by a lack of clear operational protocols. He reported that team leaders instructed guards to "shoot to kill" if they felt threatened, underscoring a culture of impunity. Accompanying footage has surfaced, showing chaotic scenes at distribution sites; despite GHF's insistence that no civilians were harmed, the contractor contends otherwise, noting injuries from stun grenade debris and excessive crowd control measures.
Citing the alarming conditions surrounding these operations, over 170 charities and NGOs, including Oxfam and Save the Children, have called for the GHF's cessation. They assert that Israeli forces and local armed factions frequently open fire on those in need of aid, further complicating an already dire humanitarian crisis.
The situation in Gaza remains critical, with an estimated 57,130 people reported dead since the beginning of the Israeli military campaign following a Hamas-led attack on October 7, which resulted in about 1,200 Israeli casualties.
As these grave allegations surface, the intersection of humanitarian aid and military engagements continues to evoke widespread concern and demands for accountability.
