Flawed Humanitarian Aid Infrastructure in Gaza Fuels Tragic Outcomes
In the Gaza Strip, a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions continues to unfold. Over one-third of the population faces famine-like conditions, and acute malnutrition has surged, particularly among children under five [2][3]. This dire situation is due in part to the militarized nature of food distribution sites, which have caused widespread food insecurity, malnutrition, and even lethal violence among civilians trying to access humanitarian aid.
The food distribution system in Gaza is run by two US private subcontracted companies, working in coordination with the Israeli military [1]. Aid distribution sites are located in heavily militarized and dangerous areas, such as Rafah and the Netzarim Corridor, making access difficult or impossible for many residents, especially in northern Gaza. This setup has led to numerous incidents of violence at or near aid distribution points, resulting in injuries and deaths of Palestinians trying to obtain food [1].
The human rights organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Israel of starving Palestinian civilians in Gaza to death and labelled the killings of Palestinians seeking food by Israeli forces as war crimes [4]. HRW's report concludes that Israel's humanitarian aid distribution system is flawed, militarized, and turns distribution operations into deadly traps, and must be abandoned [5].
The blockade imposed on the Palestinian enclave has caused a severe shortage of food, medicines, and other essential goods in Gaza. The limited border crossings and military control have significantly delayed food aid delivery, making it insufficient in scale and often blocked, forcing millions to endure days without eating [3][4].
The war in Gaza, which started 22 months ago, was triggered by an attack by the Islamic group Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023. However, the report does not mention any new information about the attacks by Hamas or the start of the war [6].
It is worth noting that only the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a militarized organization controlled by Israel and the United States, has been authorized to deliver food in Gaza [7]. The report also suggests that Israel, supported by the United States and private suppliers, is responsible for establishing this militarized humanitarian aid distribution system.
International organizations refuse to work with the GHF, according to HRW's report [8]. The UN has reported that at least 859 Palestinians were killed while trying to obtain food at these GHF sites between May 27 and July 31, most of them by the Israeli army [9].
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is a direct result of Israel's use of hunger as a weapon of war, according to HRW [10]. The organization calls for an immediate end to the militarization of aid distribution and for the establishment of a neutral, transparent, and efficient system to ensure the safe and timely delivery of humanitarian aid to all those in need in Gaza.
- The militarized humanitarian aid distribution system in Gaza, controlled by Israel and US private subcontracted companies, has been labeled as flawed and dangerous by Human Rights Watch, with numerous incidents of violence and deaths of Palestinians trying to obtain food occurring at these sites.
- The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is deeply rooted in the use of hunger as a weapon of war, as acknowledged by Human Rights Watch, and calls for an immediate end to the militarization of aid distribution, as well as the establishment of a neutral, transparent, and efficient system to ensure the safe and timely delivery of humanitarian aid to all those in need.
