**Aid Agency’s Troubled Past Exposed**
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a US and Israel-backed aid agency, has been rocked by allegations of misconduct and human rights abuses. A former security contractor for the GHF has come forward to tell the BBC about his experiences working at four of the agency’s distribution sites in Gaza.
According to the former contractor, who wishes to remain anonymous, he witnessed colleagues opening fire on hungry Palestinians, including women, children, and elderly people. He claims that on one occasion, a guard opened fire with a machine gun from a watchtower because a group was moving too slowly away. The contractor also alleges that GHF management dismissed his report, suggesting that the Palestinian who fell to the ground could have simply “tripped” or “tired and passed out”.
This is not an isolated incident. The former contractor describes a culture of impunity and lack of rules or controls within the GHF. He claims that contractors were not given clear rules of engagement or standard operating procedures, and that team leaders told them to “shoot to kill if you feel threatened” and “ask questions later”. This culture is said to have been encouraged by senior management, with one contractor reportedly saying “we are going to Gaza, so there are no rules. Do whatever you want”.
The allegations are serious, and come as more than 170 charities and NGOs have called for the GHF’s closure in the past week. These organizations claim that Israeli forces and armed groups “routinely open fire” on Palestinians seeking assistance, and that the GHF system is flawed.
GHF responded to the allegations by stating that they were “categorically untrue”, and pointed to a statement claiming that no civilians had ever been shot at their distribution sites. However, the former contractor disputes this, saying that the agency’s CCTV cameras monitored the activity at each site, and that it would be impossible for them not to have recorded any incidents.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with more than 57,000 people killed since a major Israeli offensive began last October. The GHF claims to have delivered 52 million meals within five weeks, but many are questioning the true impact of their efforts.
This article will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.
**The Human Cost**
The allegations against the GHF highlight the human cost of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. With thousands of people killed and injured, it is clear that something has gone terribly wrong with the aid system.
As one former contractor noted, “if we shoot warning shots at a Palestinian who is walking away and does not show any hostile intent and we do it anyway, then we are wrong and criminally negligent”. The lack of accountability within the GHF raises serious questions about its effectiveness as a humanitarian agency.
**The Future**
With over 170 charities and NGOs calling for the GHF’s closure, it remains to be seen what will happen next. Will the agency be held accountable for its actions, or will it continue to operate with impunity? One thing is clear: the people of Gaza deserve better than a system that prioritizes efficiency over human life.
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