‘Scenes of Horror': Israel Shoots Down More Palestinians Scrambling for Aid
Witnesses say they were shot without warning while waiting at aid distribution points managed by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which is a common occurrence that has heeded stark warnings by international humanitarian organizations.
Al Jazeera reporter Tareq Abu Azzoum, reporting from Deir el-Balah, described 'scenes of horror' as desperate Palestinians gathered at GHF-run aid centers hoping to receive food. 'They waited for hours just hoping to get their hands on basic food supplies, only to be met with sudden and unprovoked gunfire.'
Survivors told Al Jazeera that bullets suddenly tore through the crowds, and many ran in panic, trying to find cover. Emergency teams could not reach the area because of the intense shooting, leaving many wounded without help.
An investigation by the Associated Press (AP) revealed that some of the security guards protecting GHF distribution sites are US contractors who use live bullets, stun grenades, and pepper spray on Palestinians, even when there is no threat.
Two American contractors interviewed by AP said they felt the practices were dangerous and irresponsible. 'Security staff hired were often unqualified, unvetted, heavily armed and seemed to have an open license to do whatever they wished,' read the report.
One contractor also said Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) are using the aid system to gather information. Each aid site is watched by cameras, and the footage is monitored in real time by both Israeli soldiers and American analysts. Some of these cameras are reportedly equipped with facial recognition technology.
Last week, an investigation by Israeli newspaper Haaretz included testimonies from Israeli soldiers who said they were ordered to shoot at unarmed Palestinians waiting for aid. These reports further increase concerns about how humanitarian efforts are being handled in Gaza.
Human rights groups and aid organizations have repeatedly warned that the situation in Gaza is becoming worse, with severe shortages of food, water, and medical care. Many families are relying entirely on humanitarian aid to survive, which is far too little and comes too late.
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