**Chaos Erupts as US-Israeli Backed Gaza Aid Plan Falters**
In a shocking turn of events, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s (GHF) aid distribution scheme has descended into chaos, leaving thousands of Palestinians in desperate need of food and shelter. The GHF, backed by the US and Israel, aimed to bypass the UN as the main supplier of aid in Gaza.
**Security Contractors Use Force**
Eyewitnesses described scenes of jubilation turning into chaos as people pushed through fences and trampled over toppled barriers at distribution centers. Armed security contractors, hired by the GHF, used force to control the crowds. “The crowd responded” when one contractor made a heart-shaped gesture with his hands, footage showed.
**UN Warns of Starvation Risk**
The UN has warned that more than two million Palestinians in Gaza are at risk of starvation. The GHF claims to have distributed 2 million meals over four days, but the figure is unverified by the BBC. Aid agencies have boycotted the foundation due to concerns over its legitimacy.
**GHF Fails to Provide Transparency**
The GHF has been criticized for its lack of transparency in tracking who receives aid and how it’s being distributed. Social media platforms have been filled with misinformation, as fake Facebook pages claimed to represent the organization. A GHF spokesman confirmed that both accounts were fake, but an official page was launched on Wednesday, a day after distribution operations began.
**Experts Alarmed by Armed Security Presence**
Experts have expressed alarm at the presence of armed security personnel and Israeli soldiers near or at distribution sites. Prof Stuart Gordon from the London School of Economics said it’s easier to distribute aid when working with local people rather than using mercenaries. Chris Newton, senior analyst at Crisis Group, warned that the GHF’s approach could lead to population concentration, making survival dependent on following their rules.
**WFP Warehouse Looting**
In a separate incident, a World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse was looted, resulting in several deaths still being investigated. The WFP has called for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza immediately.
**GHF’s Failure to Deliver Aid**
The GHF announced that only one distribution site was operating on Friday, and its boxes were running out quickly. Many Palestinians returned from the site empty-handed. Hani Abed said, “I came empty handed and I left empty handed.” The GHF spokesman promised to ramp up aid delivery in the coming days and weeks.
Read More @ www.bbc.com
