Controversy Erupts Over Gaza Aid Distribution Following Allegations of Violence

A former security contractor has claimed he witnessed guards at Israel- and U.S.-backed aid distribution sites in Gaza opening fire on non-threatening Palestinians. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has denied these allegations, attributing them to a disgruntled ex-employee. The accusations come amidst a broader critique of the aid distribution process, which is said to expose civilians to danger.

A former security contractor for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has come forward with shocking allegations regarding the treatment of civilians at aid distribution sites in Gaza. He claims to have witnessed armed guards firing on unarmed Palestinians, including women and children, at the distribution locations, which are backed by Israel and the United States.

In an exclusive interview with the BBC, the contractor described an incident in which guards shot at a group of civilians moving away from an aid site too slowly. He recounted a guard firing a machine gun from a watchtower, leading to chaos as another contractor reportedly fired 15 to 20 rounds into the crowd. The contractor described a scene where a Palestinian man fell to the ground, and his colleague nonchalantly remarked, "I think you got one," before they both laughed.

In response to the accusations, the GHF issued a statement categorically denying that civilians had come under fire, citing the claims as false and attributing them to a "disgruntled former contractor" who was terminated for misconduct. The former contractor, however, maintains that he left under good terms and shared evidence to support his claim.

The GHF, which began its operations in Gaza at the end of May after an 11-week blockade, has faced criticism for its operational methods. The contractor highlighted a lack of clear rules of engagement, stating that operational directives often included "if you feel threatened, shoot – shoot to kill and ask questions later." He expressed concern that shooting at non-hostile Palestinians walking away from aid sites constitutes criminal negligence.

Furthermore, the contractor alleged that others among the civilian population have been harmed by the chaotic conditions at the distribution sites, with reports of people hurt by debris from stun grenades and pepper spray. In one instance, he described a woman sustaining a head injury from a stun grenade, falling unconscious in the crowd.

The operations of the GHF have come under fire, with over 170 organizations, including Oxfam and Save the Children, demanding its closure due to claims of direct attacks from military personnel targeting aid-seekers. While the GHF reported the distribution of over 52 million meals in a span of five weeks, the situation continues to raise alarms about the safety of aid recipients amid ongoing conflict.

The recent escalation of violence began after Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in a military campaign in Gaza, with claims of over 57,130 lives lost since then, further complicating the humanitarian crisis in the region.