In the midst of Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis, a US-backed aid distribution effort has turned deadly, with Israeli forces attacking desperate civilians at aid sites. Reports indicate that these incidents, particularly at the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) sites, have resulted in significant loss of life, raising questions about the motives behind the aid operations and the role of Israeli military actions.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Since Israel imposed a total blockade on Gaza starting March 2, 2025, the region has faced catastrophic food shortages, with the United Nations warning that 290,000 children are at risk of starvation. The blockade has restricted access to food, water, fuel, and humanitarian aid, exacerbating an already dire situation. Over 54,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, and famine looms as aid deliveries remain severely limited. The World Food Programme (WFP) reported that 77 trucks of flour were stopped by desperate crowds, underscoring the scale of hunger in Gaza.
In this context, the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) was established to distribute aid, but its operations have sparked controversy. Critics argue that the GHF, supported by Israel and the US, sidelines the United Nations and other independent aid agencies, potentially militarizing aid delivery and violating humanitarian principles.
The Tragic Incident at Rafah Aid Site
On May 31, 2025, chaos erupted at a GHF-run aid distribution site in Rafah, Gaza. Thousands of starving Palestinians, driven by desperation, swarmed the site to access scarce food supplies. As crowds overwhelmed the facility, Israeli tanks and drones reportedly opened fire, killing at least 31 people in Rafah alone. Social media posts on X described the scene as a “massacre,” with terrified civilians fleeing amid gunfire. One post noted that US mercenaries managing the site withdrew as Israeli forces attacked, leaving Palestinians vulnerable.
This incident was not isolated. Reports indicate similar attacks on aid seekers across Gaza, with Israeli forces targeting civilians gathered at US-backed distribution hubs. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s operations, intended to alleviate suffering, have instead been criticized as a mechanism to concentrate and displace Palestinians, with some calling it a “trap” orchestrated by Israel and the US to target civilians under the guise of aid delivery.
Humanitarian Failure or Deliberate Strategy?
The GHF’s aid distribution has been controversial from the start. Critics argue that Israel’s blockade, coupled with the exclusion of UN agencies, created a controlled environment where aid sites became flashpoints for violence. By limiting food access and then providing aid through a militarized system, Israel could predictably draw desperate crowds, only to respond with lethal force. This perspective, echoed in posts on X, suggests that the attacks were not spontaneous but part of a broader strategy to displace and control Gaza’s population.
Role of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation
The GHF, backed by the US and Israel, has been accused of undermining established humanitarian protocols. Unlike UN-led efforts, which prioritize neutrality, the GHF’s operations are seen as aligned with Israeli interests, raising concerns about the militarization of aid. The organization’s decision to operate in Rafah, a densely populated area under constant Israeli bombardment, has been criticized as reckless, potentially exposing civilians to greater risk.
Israel’s Military Response
Israeli officials claim that their forces target Hamas members allegedly stealing aid, but human rights groups argue there is little evidence to support this. The high civilian death toll—over 30 in Rafah alone—suggests indiscriminate use of force. The Qatari Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, stated that Israel’s actions demonstrate a lack of interest in a ceasefire, further escalating tensions.
Public Sentiment and Global Outrage
Social media platforms like X have amplified outrage over these incidents. Posts describe the attacks as a “dehumanizing” betrayal of starving Palestinians, with some users calling the US-Israeli aid scheme a deliberate ploy to harm civilians. Protests in Tel Aviv and West Jerusalem, including one led by Knesset member Meirav Cohen on May 31, 2025, reflect growing dissent even within Israel, with families of captives accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of prolonging the war for political gain.
The Broader Context: Ceasefire Talks and Blockade
The attacks on aid sites coincide with stalled ceasefire negotiations. Hamas has sought amendments to a US-proposed 60-day truce, demanding a permanent ceasefire, full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and unrestricted aid flow. However, Israel and the US have dismissed these demands as “unacceptable,” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to continue military operations until Hamas is defeated. Previous ceasefires, such as one in March 2025, collapsed when Israel blocked aid and resumed hostilities, fueling Hamas’s distrust.
The blockade and ongoing violence have deepened Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. The UN has described Gaza’s aid operations as among the “most obstructed” in recent history, with 14,000 babies at risk of starvation. The attacks on aid seekers highlight the dire consequences of restricting humanitarian access while using aid sites as military flashpoints.
Supporting Armless Palestinians and Victims
The plight of armless Palestinians—those who have lost limbs due to Israeli attacks—adds a tragic dimension to the crisis. Many victims of the Rafah incident were already disabled, having survived earlier bombardments. These individuals face unique challenges, including limited mobility and access to medical care, in a region where hospitals like al-Ahli in Gaza City are overwhelmed. Supporting these survivors requires:
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Immediate Ceasefire: A permanent halt to hostilities to ensure safe aid delivery.
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Unrestricted Aid Access: Allowing UN agencies to resume neutral, large-scale aid distribution.
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Medical Support: Providing prosthetics, rehabilitation, and trauma care for amputees.
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Global Advocacy: Pressuring Israel and the US to end the blockade and prioritize civilian safety.
Military aggression
The attacks on US-backed aid sites in Gaza reveal a devastating intersection of humanitarian failure and military aggression. Far from alleviating suffering, these sites have become deadly traps for starving Palestinians, with Israeli forces exploiting desperate crowds. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s controversial role and Israel’s ongoing blockade underscore the need for a permanent ceasefire and unrestricted aid access. As armless Palestinians and other survivors bear the brunt of this crisis, the international community must act to protect Gaza’s civilians and restore humanitarian principles.
Disclaimer: This article reflects the author’s analysis and does not represent the official position of Think Tank Journal.
