Allegations of Violence Against Aid Seekers at Gaza's Distribution Sites

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) faces severe allegations from a former contractor who stated he witnessed armed guards firing at unarmed Palestinians seeking food aid. While the GHF denies these claims, reports of rising casualties among aid seekers raise critical humanitarian concerns amidst ongoing conflict.

A former security contractor for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has made alarming claims to the BBC, alleging that he witnessed guards firing upon unarmed Palestinians at aid distribution sites. According to the contractor, the incidents occurred during desperate attempts by civilians, including women and children, to collect food in the wake of severe shortages exacerbated by the ongoing conflict.

One harrowing account shared with the BBC included an incident where a machine gun was fired from a watchtower because a group was moving too slowly away from the distribution site. GHF, established in late May with backing from Israel and the US, has been heavily criticized for its operational methods, particularly for placing aid seekers in high-risk areas vulnerable to combat.

Statements of denial from GHF emphasized that no civilians have been fired upon at their sites, framing the former contractor's assertions as false. In response to the accusations, the GHF described him as a "disgruntled former contractor" terminated for alleged misconduct, though he provided evidence such as payslips indicating payment continued for some time after his departure.

The contractor, who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons, described a troubling culture within GHF. He claimed that contractors operated without definitive guidelines, with one leader reportedly instructing them to "shoot to kill and ask questions later" if they felt threatened. The contractor expressed concern over the ethical implications of such a mandate, asserting that it could constitute criminal negligence if warning shots were fired at civilians exhibiting no hostile intent.

Footage shared with the BBC reportedly captured gunfire, though GHF attributed this to Israeli military activity rather than their site operations. Among other accounts, the contractor mentioned instances of injuries inflicted by stun grenades and pepper spray, alleging that civilians were caught in escalating violence while attempting to obtain aid.

The situation has drawn significant criticism, with over 170 NGOs, including high-profile organizations like Oxfam and Save the Children, calling for the closure of GHF due to its perceived role in risking civilian lives seeking aid. Despite these protests, GHF claimed to have distributed over 52 million meals in five weeks, arguing that their methods help bypass interference from Hamas.

The Israeli military's response to Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023, claimed the lives of approximately 1,200 people, setting the stage for ongoing violence that has tragically resulted in more than 57,130 fatalities in Gaza, according to local health ministry reports. Amidst these heightened tensions, the allegations surrounding GHF's actions continue to call attention to a deepening humanitarian crisis in the region.