The masked figure, armed and overseeing a dirt mound, gestures a heart shape to a throng of Palestinians below, who respond with enthusiasm as they press against the fence enclosing them. This scene unfolded on the inaugural day of a much-anticipated aid distribution center—a crucial source of help for Gazans deprived of fresh supplies for over two months due to an ongoing Israeli blockade.
However, by that same afternoon, what began as a jubilant opening turned into chaos, with footage depicting desperate civilians trampling over knocked-down barriers amidst the sound of gunfire. This disarray marked the start of a contentious new aid distribution initiative run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a newly established entity backed by the US and Israel with the goal of providing essential nourishment to the starving populace. According to the UN, over two million Gazans are in peril of starvation.
While GHF aims to replace the UN as the primary aid distributor in Gaza to curb claims of Hamas siphoning aid—claims the group denies—its operations faced immediate backlash and boycotts from various humanitarian organizations. Reports indicate that GHF's intention is to supply food to a million Gazans in its initial week through four fortified distribution points. Yet, as of the fourth day, GHF announced the distribution of two million meals—a figure that remains unverified and implies less than one meal per person over four days.
Eyewitness videos captured scenes where Palestinians fled the perimeter of a distribution center following the launch of an explosive projectile by GHF contractors. GHF later claimed that the measure was a necessary deterrent against a potentially volatile crowd, saying that no injuries resulted from such interventions, a statement that BBC Verify could not independently confirm. Following incidents of looting, which led to multiple deaths at a World Food Programme warehouse, GHF warned through social media that any site witnessing theft would be shut down.
Complaints of disorganization plagued GHF's operations, as many Gazans described confusion and a lack of communication surrounding aid availability. Inaccurate information circulated online, stoking frustration, with some claiming to represent GHF in distributing misleading updates, identified as fake accounts by GHF officials.
Oxfam, one of the international organizations expressing concern, criticized the GHF's method of concentrating aid distribution at a limited number of sites, highlighting challenges faced by vulnerable individuals like the elderly. Prior to the conflict, the UN operated 400 distribution points throughout Gaza, but under the new system there are now only four sites, intensifying the competition among needy residents desperate for assistance.
Experts noted the unnerving presence of armed security personnel and Israeli soldiers during aid distribution, calling into question the credibility of the humanitarian efforts when coerced by force. “This type of aid distribution is complicated and less effective when it involves armed oversight,” said a prominent analyst from the London School of Economics.
In images captured, GHF aid appeared limited to basic provisions such as canned food, pasta, and cooking oil, raising concerns over the adequacy of their humanitarian efforts, which should include essentials like medical supplies and hygiene kits. These essentials were promised in GHF’s strategy, though conflicting reports have suggested a lack of holistic support for those in need.
As of Friday, only one of the four planned GHF sites was operational and went dark shortly after operations began due to a depletion of supplies. GHF defended its performance, predicting increased aid in the coming days despite many still returning empty-handed from distribution sites.
Amidst the ongoing chaos and disorganization, Gazans like Hani Abed articulated their despair, emerging from aid efforts without any provisions for their families. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the efficacy of GHF's efforts and the safety of those relying on them remain in critical doubt.
However, by that same afternoon, what began as a jubilant opening turned into chaos, with footage depicting desperate civilians trampling over knocked-down barriers amidst the sound of gunfire. This disarray marked the start of a contentious new aid distribution initiative run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a newly established entity backed by the US and Israel with the goal of providing essential nourishment to the starving populace. According to the UN, over two million Gazans are in peril of starvation.
While GHF aims to replace the UN as the primary aid distributor in Gaza to curb claims of Hamas siphoning aid—claims the group denies—its operations faced immediate backlash and boycotts from various humanitarian organizations. Reports indicate that GHF's intention is to supply food to a million Gazans in its initial week through four fortified distribution points. Yet, as of the fourth day, GHF announced the distribution of two million meals—a figure that remains unverified and implies less than one meal per person over four days.
Eyewitness videos captured scenes where Palestinians fled the perimeter of a distribution center following the launch of an explosive projectile by GHF contractors. GHF later claimed that the measure was a necessary deterrent against a potentially volatile crowd, saying that no injuries resulted from such interventions, a statement that BBC Verify could not independently confirm. Following incidents of looting, which led to multiple deaths at a World Food Programme warehouse, GHF warned through social media that any site witnessing theft would be shut down.
Complaints of disorganization plagued GHF's operations, as many Gazans described confusion and a lack of communication surrounding aid availability. Inaccurate information circulated online, stoking frustration, with some claiming to represent GHF in distributing misleading updates, identified as fake accounts by GHF officials.
Oxfam, one of the international organizations expressing concern, criticized the GHF's method of concentrating aid distribution at a limited number of sites, highlighting challenges faced by vulnerable individuals like the elderly. Prior to the conflict, the UN operated 400 distribution points throughout Gaza, but under the new system there are now only four sites, intensifying the competition among needy residents desperate for assistance.
Experts noted the unnerving presence of armed security personnel and Israeli soldiers during aid distribution, calling into question the credibility of the humanitarian efforts when coerced by force. “This type of aid distribution is complicated and less effective when it involves armed oversight,” said a prominent analyst from the London School of Economics.
In images captured, GHF aid appeared limited to basic provisions such as canned food, pasta, and cooking oil, raising concerns over the adequacy of their humanitarian efforts, which should include essentials like medical supplies and hygiene kits. These essentials were promised in GHF’s strategy, though conflicting reports have suggested a lack of holistic support for those in need.
As of Friday, only one of the four planned GHF sites was operational and went dark shortly after operations began due to a depletion of supplies. GHF defended its performance, predicting increased aid in the coming days despite many still returning empty-handed from distribution sites.
Amidst the ongoing chaos and disorganization, Gazans like Hani Abed articulated their despair, emerging from aid efforts without any provisions for their families. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the efficacy of GHF's efforts and the safety of those relying on them remain in critical doubt.
