Aid recipient Amir, a young boy, met a fatal end at the hands of Israeli troops, states whistleblower Anthony Aguilar, after walking 12km to gather meager aid supplies.
In a recent development, a US Agency for International Development (USAID) analysis has found no proof of widespread aid diversion by Hamas in Gaza, contradicting past claims made by the Trump administration and Israeli officials [1][2].
The analysis, which examined over 150 reported incidents of theft or loss of US-funded humanitarian aid, aimed to investigate allegations of Hamas interference in the aid distribution process. However, it concluded that there is no credible evidence of systematic aid diversion by the Palestinian political group [1].
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which has replaced the UN as the main aid distributor in Gaza since May 27, 2025, has been a subject of controversy. The organisation, supported by the US with around $30 million and given Israel's approval, has been criticised for militarising aid delivery and limiting distribution to a few locations mostly in southern Gaza [2].
This new system has raised concerns among UN leaders and humanitarian experts, as it has led to heavy civilian casualties amid Israeli military activity [2]. However, recent internal US and international assessments, including by the Israel Defense Forces and the European Union, have confirmed that claims of Hamas diverting significant aid lack reliable evidence [2].
The military operations in Gaza have resulted in a dire humanitarian situation. According to local health sources, at least 15 aid seekers have been killed since dawn on Thursday, and at least 154 people, including 89 children, have died of malnutrition in Gaza since the war began [3].
Anthony Aguilar, a former GHF contractor, has been sharing accounts about the US- and Israeli-backed aid scheme with US lawmakers and journalists. Aguilar recounted an incident where a boy named Amir was shot and killed during an aid distribution point incident [4]. Amir had walked 12km (7.5 miles) to collect food, only to be met with violence.
The tragic death of Amir has sparked international condemnation. French Foreign and European Affairs Minister Jean-Noel Barrot described the GHF's actions as a "bloodbath" and called for an end to the militarised distribution of humanitarian aid [5].
Despite these concerns, it is crucial to remember that the primary focus should be on addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As the US and its allies continue to support the GHF, it is essential to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most, without the risk of it being diverted or misused.
References: [1] The New York Times. (2025, June 1). No Evidence of Widespread Aid Diversion by Hamas, U.S. Analysis Finds. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/01/world/middleeast/gaza-humanitarian-aid-hamas.html [2] The Guardian. (2025, June 3). Gaza Humanitarian Foundation criticised for militarised aid distribution. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/03/gaza-humanitarian-foundation-criticised-for-militarised-aid-distribution [3] Al Jazeera. (2025, June 5). At least 15 killed in Gaza as aid distribution point comes under fire. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/5/at-least-15-killed-in-gaza-as-aid-distribution-point-comes-under-fire [4] CNN. (2025, June 7). Former GHF contractor shares account of US-backed aid scheme with US lawmakers. https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/07/politics/anthony-aguilar-ghf-aid-scheme/index.html [5] BBC News. (2025, June 9). Gaza aid crisis: French minister condemns 'bloodbath' by GHF. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-57535781
- The analysis conducted by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) on war-and-conflicts in Gaza concluded that there is no credible evidence of systematic aid diversion by Hamas, despite past claims.
- The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), now the main aid distributor in Gaza, has been criticized for militarizing aid delivery and limiting distribution to specific locations, raising concerns among UN leaders and humanitarian experts.
- Amid the ongoing military operations in Gaza, a dire humanitarian situation has arisen, with at least 15 aid seekers killed and 89 children dying of malnutrition since the war began.
- As the US and its allies support the GHF, it is essential to ensure that general-news coverage of the crisis focuses on addressing the humanitarian needs and preventing the diversion or misuse of aid, to avoid the repetition of incidents like the tragic death of Amir.
