Chaos broke out at a new aid distribution centre in Gaza on May 27th as thousands of Palestinians surged past fences into the site, Africanews via AP reported.
The centre, operated by the newly established Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), had opened on May 26th near the southern city of Rafah. It is the first of its kind, backed by the United States and approved by Israel to oversee aid deliveries – a move criticised by the UN and other humanitarian groups.
By the afternoon, gunfire and tank shells were heard near the site. An Associated Press journalist, observing from a distance, reported smoke rising from the area after one round appeared to land nearby. Military helicopters flew overhead, releasing flares.
Israel said its troops fired warning shots to regain control. “Control over the situation was established,” the Israeli military said in a statement. At least three Palestinians were reportedly injured.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic. “People were panicked,” said Ahmed Abu Taha, who was one of the people looking for aid.
Another aid seeker, Saleh Abu Najjar, said he heard tank fire from the east. “It was very dangerous, and people were frightened.”
GHF, which employs private armed contractors for security, stated that its staff had followed safety protocols by temporarily withdrawing as the crowd surged. A GHF spokesperson said that no shots were fired by GHF personnel.
The food boxes contained basic supplies such as flour, sugar, pasta, and tahini; however, most people left empty-handed. The aid distribution site lies near Israeli military positions in the Morag Corridor, a narrow strip dividing Rafah from the remainder of the Gaza Strip.
Gaza has faced a near-total blockade for over three months, leaving hundreds of thousands displaced and aid supplies severely limited.
GHF, a US-backed by Geneva-based foundation, was most recently criticised by Trial International. The Swiss NGO requested that Switzerland examine whether the group complies with Swiss and international humanitarian law, as reported by Middle East Eye via Reuters on May 25th.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) also strongly criticised initial plans on May 9th for aid distribution, Middle East Eye via Reuters reported.
UNICEF spokesperson James Elder said the proposed system of secure distribution sites risks turning aid into a tool of coercion. Elder said: “It appears designed to reinforce control over life-sustaining items as a pressure tactic…”
Africanews via AP, Middle East Eye via Reuters
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