Thousands of Palestinians in Gaza are facing a dire situation as they rush to aid distribution centers despite fears of Israeli security checks. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which receives support from Israel and the U.S., has started distributing food packages. On Tuesday, they managed to provide around 8,000 boxes, enough for about 462,000 meals. However, this is only a small portion of what is needed, according to various aid organizations.
In Rafah, a southern city in Gaza, large crowds, including many women and children, gathered at one aid center. They received essential items like rice, flour, canned beans, pasta, olive oil, biscuits, and sugar. However, the scene turned chaotic when some desperate individuals broke through fences to reach the supplies, prompting reports of Israeli gunfire. The Israeli military stated that they fired warning shots away from the center and that control over the situation was restored, allowing aid distribution to continue.
Despite the urgent need for food, many Palestinians are hesitant to approach the distribution points. Concerns have been raised about Israel’s plans to implement biometric screening for aid recipients, which could potentially lead to tracking by Israeli authorities. Some feel this could put them at risk, especially if they are associated with Hamas, the governing body in Gaza.
A father of seven, Abu Ahmed, expressed his fears about attending the aid distribution. He said, "As much as I want to go because I am hungry and my children are hungry, I am afraid." He also mentioned that there are rumors about the GHF being linked to Israel, which adds to the anxiety.
The GHF’s involvement has led to skepticism about the neutrality of aid distribution. The United Nations and other major humanitarian organizations have refused to collaborate with GHF, arguing that aid should be given based on need, not politics. Christian Cardon from the International Committee of the Red Cross emphasized that humanitarian assistance must remain neutral and not be influenced by military or political agendas.
As the GHF centers began operations, the situation in Gaza remains critical. Reports indicate that since a ceasefire ended in mid-March, nearly 3,900 Palestinians have lost their lives due to ongoing Israeli airstrikes. Just as the aid centers opened, airstrikes killed at least 36 people in a school that had been converted into a shelter, according to local health officials. Israel claimed that it targeted militants using the school as a base.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen, with legal professionals in the UK calling for sanctions against Israel. An open letter signed by over 800 lawyers, including former judges, accuses Israel of committing genocide and war crimes. Despite these serious allegations, Israel has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
As the situation unfolds, the need for effective and impartial humanitarian aid in Gaza is more urgent than ever.