Gaza Aid Turns Deadly Is This the Breaking Point for Israel?

Israel Faces Growing Condemnation as Gaza Aid Distribution Descends into Chaos

International pressure is mounting on Israel as aid distribution efforts in Gaza have become increasingly chaotic. This comes amidst the implementation of a controversial new mechanism backed by both the United States and Israel, intended to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation in the region.

Reports from the Palestinian health ministry indicate that at least **11 people have been killed and dozens injured** as desperate crowds gather at distribution sites in southern Gaza. These tragic events have unfolded since the opening of the new aid centers earlier this week, highlighting the acute food scarcity and desperation gripping the population after an 11-week Israeli blockade.

While the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), the organization managing the new sites, claims that no deaths or injuries occurred during their aid distribution, the situation on the ground paints a grim picture. Tens of thousands of Palestinians, facing near-famine conditions, have descended upon GHF sites and even a warehouse run by the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP), resulting in widespread looting and scenes of desperation.

The introduction of this new aid mechanism coincides with growing criticism from some of Israel's closest allies. Concerns are rising over Israel's conduct in Gaza, with potential threats of action if the bombardment and restrictions on aid continue. Key points of concern include:

• The **European Union** has criticized the new aid mechanism, with foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stating the EU does not support the privatization of humanitarian aid distribution.
• **Germany**, traditionally a staunch ally of Israel, has voiced concerns. Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the Israeli government must not take actions unacceptable to its closest friends.
• The leaders of the **United Kingdom, France, and Canada** have threatened "concrete action," potentially including targeted sanctions, if Israel does not cease its military offensive and continues to block aid to Gaza.

Despite these warnings, the humanitarian crisis deepens. The GHF is pushing to become the primary aid provider in Gaza. However, the initial days of operation have been fraught with challenges.

On Tuesday, a massive crowd overwhelmed the first GHF aid site in southern Gaza, leading to the breakdown of crowd control measures. While GHF maintains that "there have been no deaths at any GHF location," videos from the scene depict chaotic scenes of people grabbing boxes of aid.

The following day, a UN warehouse in Deir Al-Balah was broken into by desperate individuals searching for food. The WFP reported initial indications of **two deaths and several injuries** during the incident, underscoring the severity of the situation. The WFP attributes the spiraling humanitarian needs to the "80 days of complete blockade" by Israel, which has only been partially eased recently.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as being "at its darkest point yet." OCHA has criticized the new framework, stating that the "militarized distribution system" puts people at risk and will not adequately meet their needs.

Currently, both the new GHF mechanism and the established UN distribution efforts are operating concurrently in Gaza. However, the amount of aid reaching the territory remains insufficient, with some areas, particularly in northern Gaza, receiving virtually nothing.

Geolocated video footage has shown crowds looting a street market in Zeitoun, northern Gaza, highlighting the extreme scarcity of resources in the region.

GHF reports that three of its four sites distributed food on Thursday, including the first site in central Gaza. The organization aims to provide food for **1.2 million Palestinians** by the end of the month. Despite the challenges, GHF remains confident that it is on track to provide enough food for the entire population of over 2 million Palestinians in Gaza, along with UN distribution efforts. However, UN officials have expressed doubts about GHF's projections.

Omar Abd Rabbo, a Gaza resident who visited the new site in central Gaza, described the scene as "filled with chaos and random jostling," reflecting the suffering and hunger experienced by the people of Gaza. He noted that many people did not receive the food they desperately needed.

Reports indicate that security personnel at the site used "non-lethal means," including smoke and warning shots, to control the crowd. Witnesses reported that individuals who did not receive aid took tables and chairs from the site in frustration.

Yousef Hammad, another resident, described the situation as a "big lie, a trap, and betrayal," claiming that the aid distribution only benefits thieves and merchants and that people are not receiving the assistance they need. He expressed feelings of humiliation and a lack of dignity for the people and children of Gaza.

The situation in Gaza remains deeply concerning. The international community must work together to ensure that adequate aid reaches those in need and that distribution mechanisms are effective and safe, prioritizing the dignity and well-being of the Palestinian people.

Tags: Gaza, Israel, Aid distribution, Humanitarian crisis, Food scarcity, Palestinian health, UN WFP, Gaza aid, International pressure, Famine

Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/29/middleeast/israel-condemnation-gaza-aid-distribution-intl