US Democratic representatives seek explanations from American security companies linked to controversial humanitarian organization active in Gaza
Private Security Firms Accused of Using Excessive Force in Gaza
In a shocking revelation, UG Solutions and its subcontractor Safe Reach Solutions are facing allegations of using excessive and deadly force against civilians at food distribution sites in Gaza operated by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
According to whistleblower accounts from former contractors, including retired US Army officer Anthony Aguilar, personnel from these firms fired live ammunition and stun grenades into crowds, sprayed pepper spray on unarmed civilians, and were involved in chaotic and violent incidents where Palestinians trying to access food were shot at or otherwise harmed.
UG Solutions denies firing directly at civilians, claiming shots were warning shots fired upwards or towards the coastline, and described Aguilar as a “disgruntled former contractor.” Safe Reach Solutions has not responded publicly to these allegations.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated they are reviewing incidents reported near distribution facilities and have issued new instructions to troops following “lessons learned” from cases of civilian harm.
The controversy surrounds the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US and Israeli backed private organization, which has faced sharp criticism from international aid organizations over the operations of their distribution sites. US officials have defended the work of the foundation, arguing it is the only organization that has been able to stop widespread looting of aid by Hamas.
Regarding the status of investigations by Democratic lawmakers, as of July 31, 2025, members of the U.S. Congress have demanded explanations from these private security firms amid the allegations of violence against civilians. Lawmakers are actively questioning the firms involved with GHF to clarify their roles and actions, signaling a formal inquiry and heightened scrutiny in the political arena.
The letter, first obtained by CNN, states that personnel from these companies are conducting crowd control at food distribution sites by firing live rounds over the heads of civilians and using stun grenades and pepper spray. The lawmakers have asked the companies to preserve all documents and communications related to their contracts with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
The alleged incidents form part of a broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 1,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed by Israeli forces at or near such aid sites since May 2025. Hundreds have been killed around the sites trying to get desperately needed food.
References: 1. CNN 2. The Guardian 3. Al Jazeera 4. The Hill 5. Politico
In the political arena, Democratic lawmakers are actively questioning private security firms, including UG Solutions and Safe Reach Solutions, over allegations of using excessive force against civilians at food distribution sites in Gaza. The firms are under scrutiny for incidents involving live ammunition, stun grenades, and pepper spray, which have been linked to a broader context of war-and-conflicts, crime-and-justice, and general-news in Gaza.
