American private contractors, hired to guard food aid in Gaza, are using live ammunition, stun grenades, and pepper spray on Palestinians who come to the aid site.
This news comes as the death toll in Gaza continues to climb, with recent Israeli airstrikes killing 15 Palestinians and another 20 dying from shootings while waiting for aid, an AP report said.
The aid sites are run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an American group backed by Israel. The investigation, by the Associated Press, focuses on guards from the American firm UG Solutions.
Contractors, who spoke anonymously, described a chaotic and violent scene, with armed and often untrained guards using excessive force. "There are innocent people being hurt. Badly. Needlessly,” one contractor stated. Videos obtained by AP seem to confirm these accounts, with one showing gunfire and someone saying, “I think you hit one.” The contractor who filmed it said he saw colleagues firing at Palestinians leaving with food.
Safe Reach Solutions (SRS), which manages the GHF sites, admitted guards fired live rounds "into the ground and away from civilians" early on, claiming "no serious injuries." The GHF believes some want its mission to fail, while UG Solutions said it has strong training and wasn't aware of the video.
The report also suggests the aid operation is being used for intelligence. Contractors claim American analysts and Israeli soldiers work together, monitoring live video from sites, some with facial recognition. They say photos of "suspicious" Palestinians are shared with the Israeli military. SRS denies using biometrics, and an Israeli official said the army doesn't run screening systems at aid sites.
Contractors warned the situation is dangerous and unsustainable, saying "innocent aid seekers will continue to be needlessly injured… And possibly killed,” quoted AP
Rising Death Toll Amidst Ceasefire Talks
These accusations come as violence persists in Gaza. Recent reports indicate 15 people died in Israeli airstrikes, including women and children. An additional 20 people were shot dead while waiting for aid at various locations, according to AP.
Reportedly, the latest killings occur as efforts to secure a ceasefire seem to be moving forward. Hamas announced Friday it is discussing a ceasefire proposal with other Palestinian groups. President Donald Trump stated Tuesday that Israel agreed to a 60-day ceasefire and urged Hamas to accept. Hamas is expected to respond soon.
The Gaza Health Ministry reports that over 57,000 Palestinians have been killed, with more than half being women and children. The conflict began when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 and taking around 250 hostages. Hundreds have been killed or wounded by Israeli troops while trying to reach aid sites since May. The Israeli military maintains it only fires warning shots, denies targeting civilians, and is investigating civilian harm reports.
