Articles in this Cluster
05-07-2025
A former security contractor for the Israel- and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) told the BBC he witnessed colleagues repeatedly and without provocation firing on Palestinians seeking food at GHF aid sites, including machine-gun fire from a watchtower at women, children, and elderly people moving too slowly. He described a lack of rules of engagement, a “shoot to kill” culture, dehumanizing language toward Gazans, and injuries from mace, stun grenades, and razor wire. He said CCTV would show incidents, contradicting GHF’s claims that no civilians were harmed. GHF called the allegations categorically false, said gunfire heard was from Israeli forces, and labeled the source a disgruntled ex-contractor; he disputes this and provided evidence he left on good terms. The aid model—requiring Palestinians to traverse active combat zones—has been widely criticized; the UN and local doctors say over 400 Palestinians have been killed near GHF sites since operations began. More than 170 NGOs have called for GHF’s closure. Israel denies targeting aid seekers and says GHF prevents Hamas diversion, while GHF says it has delivered over 52 million meals. The allegations unfold amid Israel’s war in Gaza following Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack, with Gaza’s health ministry reporting at least 57,130 deaths.
Entities: Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), BBC, Israel, Palestinians, United Nations • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
05-07-2025
Hamas said it gave a “positive response” to a U.S.-mediated Gaza ceasefire framework and is ready to negotiate implementation. President Trump called the development encouraging and suggested a deal could come next week, though Israel has not yet committed despite cabinet support for the proposal; Prime Minister Netanyahu will meet Trump in Washington. A Palestinian official said Hamas seeks guarantees of an Israeli pullback to March 2 positions, a full end to the war after a 60-day truce, and the dismantling of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid system in favor of UN-led efforts. The Gaza Health Ministry reports over 57,000 Palestinians killed since the war began after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel, and alleges hundreds have been shot while trying to reach aid, including at GHF sites—claims GHF says it cannot control outside its hubs. Humanitarian groups are urging GHF’s disbandment and a return to UN-coordinated aid.
Entities: Hamas, Israel, Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu, Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
05-07-2025
Retired British Col. Richard Kemp, recently back from Gaza, says the IDF is fighting a difficult war against Hamas, which embeds within civilian areas and tunnels, but is taking extensive steps to limit civilian casualties. He argues Hamas seeks civilian deaths to vilify Israel and that accusations of genocide and war crimes are unfounded. Kemp credits the IDF with significantly degrading Hamas while minimizing civilian harm more effectively than most armies could. He also praises the U.S.- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) for delivering aid that many civilians say they hadn’t received via other channels, alleging Hamas steals and resells UN-routed aid. Kemp urges more international funding for GHF, saying it is better tailored to Gaza’s conditions, while noting the UN still has a role if it prioritizes civilians over bureaucracy.
Entities: Richard Kemp, Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Hamas, Gaza, Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: positive • Intent: persuade
05-07-2025
UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese presented a report in Geneva accusing Israel of operating a “settler-colonial apartheid” and conducting “one of the cruelest genocides in modern history” in Gaza, alleging corporate complicity and criticizing the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation as a “death trap.” The U.S. Mission to the UN called for her removal over what it says is a pattern of antisemitism and anti-Israel bias, citing her letters to corporations. Palestinian envoy Ibrahim Khraishi praised the report and criticized the U.S., while UN Watch’s Hillel Neuer and Israel’s UN ambassador Daniel Meron condemned Albanese’s claims as inflammatory, legally baseless, and omitting Hamas’s role and the Oct. 7 attacks. The GHF defended its operations, saying it has delivered tens of millions of meals and prevents aid theft by Hamas.
Entities: Francesca Albanese, Israel, United States, Gaza, Gaza Humanitarian Foundation • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
05-07-2025
Sky News’ Data & Forensics Unit found a strong association between aid distributions by the US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) and spikes in deaths and injuries across Gaza since Israel ended its 11-week blockade. On days with five or six GHF distributions, reported casualties were nearly triple those on days with two or fewer. Of 77 distributions between 5 June and 1 July, 30% were followed by reports of bloodshed; at one central site (SDS4), up to half reportedly ended in fatal shootings, including a 24 June incident that medics say killed at least 31 people. Witnesses and some soldiers cited gunfire used for crowd control; the IDF denies directives to target civilians but says incidents are under review. The analysis highlights severe crowd-control failures, chaotic scenes where food runs out within minutes, and confusing or last-minute GHF communications—often with routes and waiting points set in or near IDF-designated combat zones. GHF disputes any link between its operations and the deaths, saying it is facing a disinformation campaign and is focused on feeding civilians. UN and Gaza health ministry figures attribute hundreds of deaths to incidents at or near GHF sites.
Entities: Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Sky News Data & Forensics Unit, Gaza, United Nations (UN) • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: analyze
05-07-2025
An Associated Press investigation, based on anonymous accounts from two contractors with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), alleges that American security contractors at GHF-run aid distribution sites in Israeli-controlled zones used live ammunition, stun grenades, and pepper spray as Palestinians scrambled for food. Videos provided to AP reportedly capture gunfire and stun grenades near crowded gates, with contractors allegedly celebrating after shots. The claims coincide with reports from Gaza’s Health Ministry and witnesses that hundreds have been killed or wounded since GHF sites began operating, amid frequent gunfire as crowds approach aid.
GHF denies the allegations as “categorically false,” asserting that gunfire heard in videos came from the Israel Defense Forces outside the immediate area and was not directed at civilians. Safe Reach Solutions, a GHF subcontractor, says there have been no serious injuries at their sites but acknowledges that, early on, security fired live rounds into the ground and away from civilians to gain attention during severe crowd-control situations. The Israeli military says it uses warning shots, denies deliberately targeting civilians, and is reviewing ways to reduce friction around distribution centers. AP’s claims have not been independently verified by Sky News.
Entities: Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), Associated Press (AP), Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Safe Reach Solutions, Gaza Health Ministry • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
05-07-2025
Hamas has given a “positive” response to a U.S.-brokered proposal for a 60-day Gaza ceasefire, while seeking amendments on humanitarian aid flows, the status of Israeli forces in Gaza, and guarantees beyond the initial truce. The plan, presented by President Donald Trump—who says Israel has agreed—could begin as early as next week pending talks on prisoner-hostage exchanges and aid levels. Hamas wants assurances that the truce leads to a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal; a Hamas official claims Trump guaranteed extensions if needed, though the U.S. hasn’t confirmed this. During the ceasefire, Washington would work to end the war. Separately, UN human rights officials report hundreds of Palestinian deaths linked to attempts to access aid, many near Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) sites; GHF disputes the figures and accuses the UN of spreading disinformation.
Entities: Hamas, United States, Israel, Donald Trump, Gaza • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
