Grave Allegations Against Gaza Aid Operations: Eyewitness Claims of Gunfire on Civilians

A disturbing eyewitness account from a former security contractor has surfaced, claiming that colleagues at Gaza's aid distribution sites opened fire on unarmed civilians, leading to multiple casualties. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation vehemently denies these allegations, asserting its commitment to safe aid distribution while facing increasing scrutiny from NGOs.

The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza has been further complicated by allegations of violence against aid seekers. A former security contractor working for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) reported to the BBC that he witnessed colleagues opening fire on unarmed Palestinians at aid distribution sites. These incidents reportedly involved the use of machine guns on vulnerable groups, including women, children, and the elderly.

One incident described by the contractor involved a guard firing from a watchtower at civilians who were deemed "too slow" in moving away from the site. The GHF, which began its operations in Gaza following an extensive blockade, claims the allegations are unfounded. They issued a statement asserting that no civilians have been harmed at their distribution points.

Since the GHF commenced operations, more than 400 Palestinians have reportedly been killed while attempting to access food aid. Israeli officials justified the creation of these new distribution sites as a means to prevent aid from reaching Hamas, despite criticisms that they necessitate passage through active combat zones.

The contractor, who opted to remain anonymous, detailed a concerning culture at the GHF, describing a lack of clear rules governing the engagement of civilians. "If you feel threatened, shoot – shoot to kill and ask questions later," was reportedly a directive laid out by a team leader. He added that the dehumanization of Palestinians was prevalent among contractors, exemplified by derogatory comments referring to them as "zombie hordes."

The contractor also recounted instances of Palestinians suffering injuries from crowd chaos and unintended harm caused by security measures, such as being hit by debris from stun grenades or pepper spray. In one notable case, he described witnessing a woman being struck in the head by a metal stun grenade fragment, rendering her unconscious.

The GHF has faced mounting criticism, with over 170 NGOs advocating for its closure, citing concerns that Israeli forces and armed groups frequently open fire on those in line for aid. However, GHF maintains that it has successfully delivered millions of meals amidst ongoing violence.

As the Israeli military campaign in Gaza continues, the death toll has surged dramatically. The GHF asserts it is working tirelessly to aid those in need, while the humanitarian implications of the ongoing conflict continue to raise alarms internationally.