Recent analysis by Sky News has highlighted a troubling trend in Gaza, where aid distributions by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) appear to coincide with a sharp rise in fatalities. Since Israel lifted its blockade of the Gaza Strip last month, GHF has taken the lead in providing essential aid. However, this shift has raised serious concerns about safety at the distribution sites.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, around 600 Palestinians have lost their lives while trying to obtain aid from GHF distribution points, which many have labeled as "death traps." In contrast, the United Nations reported a lower figure of 410 deaths, but this number has not been updated since June 24. Both organizations base their statistics on reports from hospitals near these aid sites.
GHF operates from four militarized Secure Distribution Sites (SDSs), with three located in the southern region of Gaza. Previously, the UN managed aid distribution through numerous locations, which allowed for a broader reach. The GHF’s approach has resulted in increased dangers for those seeking assistance. Sky News analysis shows that on days when GHF conducts multiple distributions, the number of reported casualties spikes significantly. For instance, an average of 48 deaths and 189 injuries is reported on days with fewer distributions, while days with five or six distributions see nearly three times that number.
Out of 77 distributions conducted between June 5 and July 1, 23 resulted in violence, marking a 30% rate of bloodshed. At SDS4, located in central Gaza, half of the distributions were followed by reports of fatal shootings. Eyewitness accounts from individuals like Huda, who has been trying to access aid for ten consecutive days, paint a grim picture. She described witnessing death and chaos, stating, “Food should be delivered to UN warehouses, and this entire operation must be shut down.”
Compounding the issue, many individuals face extreme risks as they navigate dangerous conditions to secure basic necessities. Huda recounted how she has been injured while trying to get food, emphasizing the dire situation: “You may come back, you may not.”
The situation escalated dramatically on June 24, when an incident at SDS4 resulted in at least 31 deaths after eyewitnesses reported that Israeli forces opened fire as people approached aid trucks. This incident has been described by witnesses as a “massacre,” with video footage showing the aftermath in a local hospital.
Concerns have also been raised about crowd control methods used by Israeli soldiers near these sites. Unnamed soldiers have indicated that they were instructed to use gunfire to manage crowds, a claim that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has denied. They stated that their directives prohibit targeting civilians and that the incidents are under review.
Sam Rose, director of UNRWA operations in Gaza, criticized the distribution process, describing it as chaotic. He noted that food is often gone within minutes of being made available, leaving many without access. Reports suggest that GHF’s communication regarding distribution times is often unclear, with many announcements made less than 30 minutes before aid is available.
As the situation continues to unfold, over 200 charities and NGOs have called for the closure of GHF and the restoration of the previous UN-led aid distribution system. They argue that the current approach violates humanitarian principles and places millions of people in overcrowded, dangerous conditions.
The ongoing crisis in Gaza highlights the urgent need for effective and safe aid distribution methods that prioritize the welfare of the population. As the conflict persists, the humanitarian situation remains critical, demanding immediate attention and action.