Residents of Gaza have recounted scenes of violence and death at food distribution centers operated by the Global Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which is responsible for delivering vital food supplies in the region. With food scarcity on the rise across Gaza, this organization, which is supported by both the United States and Israel, faces serious allegations of human rights abuses and civilian targeting. Since taking over distribution efforts in May after Israel eased its stringent blockade, reports indicate that over 1,300 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid, many reportedly shot by Israeli soldiers or U.S. contractors working with GHF. Despite the dangers, thousands of desperate Palestinians continue to risk their lives daily to access these distribution points.
During interviews, many individuals, including parents and children, shared harrowing experiences of soldiers firing into the crowds as people frantically sought essentials such as flour and milk. One woman, a mother seeking sustenance for her daughters, described the experience of trying to obtain food from GHF centers as a “death journey.” She shared how the chaotic situation often leaves children vulnerable, with stronger individuals taking food away from them in the struggle. After braving the dangers at one location, the woman managed to obtain only rice, cooking oil, and a can of tomatoes. Despite injuries she sustained, she considered these items as “a blessing from God.” A young boy explained that he felt compelled to seek food for his siblings following the death of his father, emphasizing the dire need for survival despite witnessing numerous fatalities at the aid site.
Ibrahim Mekki, from the Nuseirat refugee camp, recounted an incident where he risked being shot during a six-hour wait, only to secure a small amount of pasta. He expressed frustration with the violent environment, calling it a “trap” where permission to approach aid is followed by gunfire. On one such perilous attempt, he managed to leave with just a few bags of pasta and bulgur, insufficient to feed his family for even a day, highlighting the continual need to return. Rakan Jneid reflected on a scene where chaos erupted over milk supplies, resulting in people being run over and shots being fired, exploiting the disorder.
Similar accounts from others, such as Muhannad Abu Jarad, recounted encounters with the Israeli army using lethal force against civilians. A mother of eight shared a heart-wrenching story of losing a child to malnutrition and another child currently suffering, underscoring the severe food shortage and health crisis affecting families in Gaza.
