Understanding the Impact of the New Aid System in Gaza: A Closer Look at Recent Events
In the month since the introduction of a controversial aid system supported by the US and Israel in Gaza, reports have emerged detailing a grim reality for Palestinians seeking assistance. According to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza, over 500 individuals have lost their lives and around 4,000 have sustained injuries while attempting to access aid.
Analyzing the Situation on the Ground
To provide a clearer picture of the chaos that has unfolded, BBC Verify has examined numerous videos from various locations in Gaza. These recordings reveal a troubling pattern of panic, gunfire, and tragic casualties among those trying to reach aid distribution points. While the footage illustrates a landscape filled with danger, it often does not clearly identify the sources of gunfire in each incident. However, numerous eyewitness accounts and testimonies from medical personnel indicate that Israeli forces frequently fired upon crowds near these aid sites.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have claimed, in multiple statements, that they fired "warning shots" at individuals they deemed "suspects" or threats. The IDF has communicated to BBC Verify that Hamas actively works to undermine food distribution efforts and disrupt aid operations, thereby endangering Gazan civilians.
On May 18, Israel announced a partial easing of its 11-week blockade on aid entering Gaza, which it claimed was intended to pressure Hamas to release hostages. The IDF established four aid distribution centers in southern Gaza and the central region, which became operational on May 26. These centers, known as SDS 1, 2, 3, and 4, are managed by security contractors for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), with the IDF securing access routes.
International Reactions and Ongoing Challenges
The United Nations has condemned this new aid strategy, arguing it would "militarize" humanitarian assistance, circumvent established distribution networks, and force Gazans to traverse perilous terrains to obtain food. Following the plan’s implementation, tragic incidents occurred, resulting in numerous fatalities on June 1 and 3, prompting widespread international condemnation. Since then, reports of deaths related to aid collection have persisted nearly every day.
The IDF stated that it is engaged in a systematic review process to enhance operational responses and reduce friction between their forces and the civilian population. However, Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer dismissed claims of widespread fatalities as "another untruth," asserting that the actual number of deaths is significantly lower. The GHF has also denied any incidents or fatalities at or near its distribution sites.
The International Committee of the Red Cross has reported that its field hospital in Rafah activated mass casualty protocols 20 times since May 27, predominantly treating patients suffering from gunshot wounds, many of whom were reportedly en route to aid sites. The UN and various humanitarian organizations continue to strive to deliver assistance in Gaza, but they rely heavily on Israeli authorities to facilitate their efforts. The UN’s Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has described the killings of Palestinians attempting to access aid as "likely war crimes."
A Continuous Cycle of Violence and Desperation
Recent footage from June 9 showed hundreds of individuals, some clutching empty flour sacks, fleeing gunfire and seeking refuge in ditches amid the chaos. On that day, the Hamas-run health ministry reported six fatalities and over 99 injuries related to aid-seeking efforts. The following day, the toll rose to 36 deaths and more than 208 injuries.
BBC Verify’s analysis of the videos confirmed they were filmed approximately 4 kilometers from an aid distribution site. Audio analysis revealed gunfire consistent with weapons commonly used by the IDF, such as the FN Minimi machine gun and M4 assault rifle, alongside sounds compatible with AK-47s, which are typically associated with Hamas and other groups in Gaza.
Footage from June 10 captured additional chaos as people fled amidst gunfire and explosions, with injured individuals, including children, being carried away. The GHF has provided maps indicating "safe passages" to its sites and communicates operational hours through WhatsApp and social media, emphasizing that these corridors are secured by the IDF.
Tragic Incidents Near Aid Distribution Points
Incidents have also occurred near non-GHF aid sites. Verified footage from June 17 depicted at least 21 bodies and several injured individuals on a road near an aid distribution truck. Witnesses reported that IDF drones and tanks fired upon the crowd waiting for aid. The IDF acknowledged the presence of a gathering near the truck and expressed regret for any unintended harm to civilians, stating that the incident is under review.
On June 16, additional video evidence showed bodies being transported on a cart in northern Gaza, with claims that these individuals were killed while awaiting aid. The GHF has asserted that many incidents are linked to convoys from other organizations, including the UN, and has emphasized its success in distributing 46 million meals to two million Gazans, although it aims to expand its capacity further.
The IDF has stated that it is working on improvements, including installing fences and opening more routes to ensure safer passage for those seeking aid. The GHF has raised concerns about maintaining safe routes for aid seekers and indicated that the solution lies in increasing aid availability to reduce urgency and uncertainty among the population.
Conclusion
As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve, the need for effective and secure aid distribution remains critical. The ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis highlight the urgent necessity for international support and intervention to safeguard the rights and lives of innocent civilians in the region.
This report was compiled with contributions from several journalists and analysts, ensuring a thorough examination of the current circumstances affecting aid distribution in Gaza.
