What War Really Looks Like - Deadly Gaza Aid Chaos
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U.S.-Backed Aid Program Launches Amid Crisis
On May 26, 2025, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.- and Israeli-supported initiative, commenced operations to distribute humanitarian aid in Gaza. The program established centralized distribution centers, primarily in southern Gaza, aiming to serve over one million residents affected by prolonged conflict and blockade. These centers are secured by American contractors and monitored by Israeli forces, with protocols in place to screen recipients.
Chaos and Casualties at Aid Distribution Site
On May 27, a large crowd gathered at a GHF distribution center in Rafah. Amid the overwhelming turnout, Israeli forces fired shots to disperse the crowd, resulting in at least one death and 48 injuries, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The United Nations reported that most injuries were due to gunfire from Israeli forces.
UN Warehouse Stormed Amid Deepening Hunger
The following day, on May 28, thousands of Palestinians stormed a United Nations World Food Programme warehouse in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, in search of food. The incident led to four deaths—two from gunshot wounds and two from being crushed—and several injuries. The World Food Programme expressed concern over the dire humanitarian situation and the challenges in safely distributing aid.
Criticism of the Aid Distribution Approach
Humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations, have criticized the GHF's centralized and militarized aid distribution model. Concerns have been raised about the program's transparency, the potential for forced displacement, and the deviation from established humanitarian principles of neutrality and impartiality. The resignation of GHF's executive director, Jake Wood, citing ethical concerns, has further amplified these criticisms.
Ongoing Humanitarian Concerns
The recent incidents underscore the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 600,000 individuals have been displaced, and food insecurity is rampant. International aid agencies emphasize the need for impartial and effective aid distribution mechanisms to address the urgent needs of the population.
