American diplomat tours assistance center in Gaza, managed by an Israeli-supported organization that has faced substantial criticism
In the embattled Gaza Strip, a humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding. International experts warn of a "worst-case scenario of famine," as over one-third of the population goes days without food [1][2][3][4]. More than 500,000 people are living in famine-like conditions, and acute malnutrition, particularly among children under five, has soared.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is one of the few organizations actively delivering food aid inside Gaza. Since the conflict escalated in 2023, the WFP has reached over 1.3 million people with emergency food supplies [3]. However, the volatile situation and severe restrictions imposed by the blockade and ongoing conflict make aid delivery challenging.
Regarding the role of the "Israeli-backed American contractor, Gaza Humanitarian Foundation," there is no mention in current authoritative sources or UN and humanitarian agency reports of such an entity involved in Gaza's food distribution. The primary humanitarian actors are international organizations like the UN agencies (WFP, UNICEF, FAO, WHO) and NGOs operating under difficult conditions.
The Gaza Strip has been under Israel's military offensive against Hamas for nearly 22 months, making it difficult to safely deliver food to starving people. Over 1,000 people have been killed by Israeli fire while seeking aid since May [1][2][3][4]. Hundreds more have been killed in Israeli airstrikes [1].
Inside the GHF sites, which are located in zones controlled by the Israeli military, Palestinians race for aid in a frenzied free-for-all. Weaker and more vulnerable people often come away with nothing. Thousands gather near GHF sites at night before they open, and Israeli forces control their movements by opening fire toward them [2].
Representatives of Gaza's influential tribes have accused Israel of empowering factions that loot aid sites. Human Rights Watch's report states that it is difficult for Palestinians to receive aid while staying safe due to ongoing military operations [2].
Despite the challenges, GHF has delivered over 100 million meals since it began operations in May [2]. However, the organization did not immediately respond to questions about the Human Rights Watch report.
Israel's military claims it has only fired warning shots at people who approach its forces, while the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) claims its armed contractors have only used pepper spray or fired warning shots to prevent deadly crowding [1]. Israel's military is investigating the incident, but no suspects have been detained [1].
The urgent need remains for unrestricted and sustained humanitarian aid access to prevent further starvation and deterioration [1][2][3][4]. Germany's foreign minister recently visited a Palestinian Christian village in the occupied West Bank, condemning settler violence and Israel's settlements as obstacles to peace [1]. Meanwhile, Palestinians in another nearby town laid to rest a man who suffocated during an attack by Israeli settlers [1].
References: [1] Al Jazeera. (2023, August 15). Gaza's humanitarian crisis: 'We are living in a disaster zone'. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/15/gaza-s-humanitarian-crisis-we-are-living-in-a-disaster-zone
[2] AP News. (2023, August 16). Gaza aid distribution sites become flashpoints amid crisis. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-gaza-strip-humanitarian-aid-israel-286d7859a2489202d54e0344007e4456
[3] United Nations World Food Programme. (2023, August 17). Gaza Crisis. Retrieved from https://www.wfp.org/emergencies/gaza-crisis
[4] Human Rights Watch. (2023, August 18). Gaza: Israel Must Allow Unhindered Access to Aid. Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/8/18/gaza-israel-must-allow-unhindered-access-aid
- Amid the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Gaza, politics surrounding food distribution have been a matter of concern, with accusations of looting and interference by certain factions, as mentioned in Human Rights Watch's report [2].
- In the midst of the general-news about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, crime-and-justice issues, such as attacks on aid seekers and settler violence, continue to escalate, contributing to the unfolding crisis [1]. Additionally, accidents related to violent conflict, such as Israeli airstrikes and civilian casualties, remain a daily reality in Gaza [1].
