A newly launched humanitarian effort in Gaza, supported by the US and Israel, has descended into chaos just days after its debut. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a controversial alternative aid distribution system, promised hope to millions facing starvation. But what started as a symbol of relief quickly turned into scenes of panic, confusion, and violence.
On the opening day of one distribution center, footage showed a GHF security contractor — masked and standing on a dirt mound — making a heart shape with his hands toward a crowd of desperate Palestinians. Moments later, fences began to bend as thousands surged forward in hunger and anticipation.
By that same afternoon, the atmosphere turned volatile. Civilians stormed the site, trampling barriers, and ducking for cover as gunshots echoed across the compound. What was meant to feed Gaza turned into a symbol of dysfunction.
GHF, a US-Israeli backed private foundation, was set up to deliver aid directly to Gazans — bypassing the UN and traditional NGOs. Its stated goal: to feed one million people in the first week. By day four, GHF claimed it had distributed two million meals. However, the BBC could not independently verify that figure, and many Palestinians say they’ve returned home empty-handed.
To control unruly crowds, GHF personnel deployed non-lethal projectiles, smoke bombs, and warning shots — prompting fresh concerns over safety. “To prevent escalation and ensure safety,” GHF said, “our contractors used smoke and warning shots into the ground.” The foundation insists no one was injured, though the chaos told a different story.
In one disturbing incident at a northern site near Nuseirat, video footage captured GHF security forces throwing a projectile that exploded with a loud bang and smoke, forcing civilians to scatter.
The humanitarian chaos isn’t limited to GHF. The World Food Programme (WFP) also had its warehouse looted recently, with several deaths reported. WFP now warns that humanitarian efforts in Gaza are “spiraling out of control.”
Critics, including Oxfam, say GHF’s strategy has been deeply flawed from the start. With just four distribution points across Gaza compared to the previous 400 UN-managed sites, accessibility has become a nightmare. Vulnerable groups like the elderly are unable to reach the aid centers, many of which are under heavy military presence.
Aid experts also question the ethics of militarized food distribution. “It’s not effective to distribute aid through armed contractors,” says Prof. Stuart Gordon from the London School of Economics. “It undermines trust and inflames an already fragile situation.”
The supplies being handed out include canned goods, pasta, rice, and biscuits. However, humanitarian experts argue that true relief goes beyond food. Medical aid, hygiene kits, and clean water are equally critical — but these are currently lacking.
Making matters worse, misinformation has flourished online. Fake Facebook pages posing as GHF spread incorrect updates, further confusing residents. GHF has since launched an official page but acknowledges the damage caused by misleading posts.
Despite the promises and media headlines, many Gazans are still going home without food. “I came empty-handed and I left empty-handed,” said Hani Abed, who waited for hours at one distribution center near Netzarim.
As aid efforts in Gaza continue under extreme pressure, the question remains: Can any system deliver relief effectively without trust, coordination, and humanity?
