Israeli-backed American contractors are facing serious allegations of using live ammunition and stun grenades against desperate Palestinians in Gaza who are struggling to obtain food. An investigation by the Associated Press highlights accounts from two contractors working for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). They reported that security staff, heavily armed, resorted to dangerous practices as crowds scrambled for aid.
GHF, which was set up in February to provide crucial assistance in the besieged region, has denied these claims, calling them "categorically false." The organization has come under fire from international aid groups for its operations, which have reportedly been linked to rising casualties in Gaza.
The contractors, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed their concern about what they described as reckless behavior by their colleagues. They claimed that stun grenades and pepper spray were frequently used against the crowd, and that gunfire was directed toward the Palestinians, with one contractor recalling a moment when he believed someone had been hit.
Videos provided by one contractor show chaotic scenes at aid distribution sites, where hundreds of Palestinians were seen crammed between metal gates, trying to reach the food. In the background, gunfire and explosions can be heard, raising serious questions about the safety of these aid operations.
The contractors asserted that innocent people were being harmed. One of them stated, "There are innocent people being hurt. Badly. Needlessly." They reported that gunfire was often aimed in the direction of the crowds, with one video capturing a moment of celebration among contractors after a shot was fired.
The Gaza Health Ministry, which is run by Hamas, has reported that several hundred people have been killed and many more injured since GHF began its operations a month ago. Witnesses claim that Israeli troops have opened fire on crowds almost daily as they seek aid.
In response to the allegations, the Israeli military stated that it only fires warning shots and is looking into reports of civilian injuries. They deny intentionally shooting at civilians and are working on ways to reduce tensions in areas near the distribution centers.
GHF has strongly rejected the allegations, claiming that their investigation found no evidence of civilians being fired upon during aid distribution. They stated that any gunfire heard in the videos was from the Israeli Defense Forces, which were outside the immediate area of the GHF sites.
Safe Reach Solutions, the logistics company working with GHF, confirmed that there have been no serious injuries at their sites. However, they admitted that security personnel had, in some instances, fired live rounds into the ground to control crowds during moments of high tension.
The situation in Gaza remains critical, with ongoing debates about how best to provide aid to a population in dire need while ensuring their safety.