A controversial aid distribution system backed by the United States and Israel in Gaza has come under sharp criticism from the United Nations, which alleges that the model is contributing to mass civilian deaths. The new system, overseen by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), was introduced in late May as an alternative to the UN-led humanitarian delivery mechanism. It established heavily fortified aid distribution hubs in southern Gaza, claiming to provide secure and controlled access to food and essential supplies. However, UN officials, humanitarian organizations, and rights groups argue that the model has led to chaos and deadly violence, with civilians being shot while trying to access aid.
Under this new system, four aid hubs were set up to cater to hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in areas with heightened military presence. The model was designed to prevent aid from being intercepted by Hamas, but it quickly resulted in deadly consequences. Crowds of desperate civilians flocking to these centers have faced live gunfire, leading to hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries. According to Gaza’s health authorities, over 450 people have died near these distribution centers since the end of May, while international media estimate the toll to be at least 549, with more than 4,000 wounded. A particularly tragic incident occurred in Rafah, where reports indicate that Israeli tanks opened fire on civilians waiting for aid, killing at least 10 and injuring many more. While Israeli officials insist that only warning shots were fired to manage crowds, eyewitnesses and UN representatives say otherwise, alleging the use of lethal force against unarmed civilians.
The UN has strongly condemned the aid model, asserting that it violates core humanitarian principles of neutrality, independence, and impartiality. UN Secretary-General António Guterres criticized Israel for allowing only a “teaspoon of aid when a flood is needed,” and called for an end to any aid strategy that endangers civilian lives. UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths and spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric expressed deep concern over the escalating death toll, blaming the current model for forcing people into deadly situations just to obtain food. Rights groups also fear that the militarized nature of the GHF model and its selective aid access could amount to war crimes, particularly if civilians are being deliberately targeted or forced into displacement.
In response to the repeated incidents of violence, GHF has temporarily suspended operations at its aid hubs, citing the need for security reviews and reorganization. However, the UN and other humanitarian agencies view this suspension as further endangering lives, especially with famine conditions looming over Gaza’s 2.3 million residents. They argue that only a fully UN-operated aid mechanism can ensure equitable and safe access across the war-torn region. With growing calls for independent investigations and global condemnation of civilian casualties, the crisis highlights the urgent need for a de-politicized and humanitarian-focused approach to aid delivery in Gaza.
