Gaza Aid A Real-Life Squid Game of Starvation

'Death Race' for Food: Hundreds Killed in Gaza Aid Chaos

The scramble for survival in famine-stricken Gaza has taken a horrifying turn. Residents are describing the desperate fight for aid as a real-life "Squid Game," a brutal competition where only the strongest, fastest, and luckiest survive.

"It’s a death race. The faster, the stronger, the luckier — they’re the ones who might survive, might reach the food," says 30-year-old Mohammed al-Shaqra, encapsulating the grim reality. "It feels like we’re animals, racing for a box of supplies as if our lives depend on it. And they do."

The situation has drastically deteriorated since Israel sidelined the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations, entrusting aid operations to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.- and Israeli-backed private contractor. Registered in Delaware, the foundation's operations have been marred by violence and chaos.

Since the GHF began its work on May 26, more than 400 people have been killed and over 3,000 wounded during aid deliveries.

On Thursday, health authorities in Gaza reported 12 deaths near one of the foundation’s distribution centers, a figure considered relatively low compared to the 59 fatalities recorded in similar circumstances just days before. Al-Shaqra himself became a casualty on June 8th, during a desperate attempt to secure food for his family.

Here's a breakdown of the key issues:

• Lack of Oversight: The sidelining of established humanitarian organizations has removed crucial safeguards and expertise.
• Controversial Contractor: The GHF's opaque structure and reliance on armed private contractors have raised serious concerns about accountability and safety.
• Inefficient Distribution: Concentrating aid deliveries to a few "fortified" hubs forces desperate people to travel long distances through dangerous areas.
• Unsafe Practices: Chaotic distribution methods, including dumping boxes on pallets for crowds to swarm, create dangerous conditions.

Al-Shaqra's experience is a harrowing example of the dangers Gazans face: "I was desperate to bring something back — flour, rice, pasta, anything — for my parents, my siblings and their kids," he recounted. While attempting to reach a distribution center in Rafah, he was struck by explosives allegedly dropped from an Israeli drone. He suffered severe injuries, including a shattered arm.

The GHF was established after Israel cut off all aid entering Gaza in March, claiming Hamas was stealing supplies – an allegation refuted by the UN and other aid organizations. This blockade exacerbated the existing starvation crisis and led to calls for the UN and humanitarian groups to be granted access.

Even before deliveries began, the GHF faced criticism. Its initial executive director resigned, citing concerns that the foundation’s plan couldn’t be implemented without “breaching humanitarian principles.” Boston Consulting Group also terminated its contract, firing two partners involved in designing the distribution system.

Gaza residents have reported that only one or two hubs are typically operational each day, often opening late and without clear communication about the contents of the aid boxes. Instead of direct distribution, workers reportedly dump supplies on pallets, inciting desperate scrambles. Even designated "safe routes" to the hubs have come under fire.

Hussein Nizar, another resident, described the situation as a "real-life version of ‘Squid Game.’ We run, then the shooting starts, we hit the ground and stay still so we’re not killed, then run again." He witnessed his neighbor killed beside him during one such attempt.

The Israeli military has stated it would investigate reports of civilian casualties near aid hubs, previously claiming troops fired on people who approached them in a threatening manner. However, Palestinians and even a GHF representative admit shootings occur when people stray beyond the safe route limits in their eagerness to reach the distribution site.

Many people return home empty-handed, even without being injured. "Decent people, especially the elderly and women with children, can’t fight through the crowds," says Jassim, a logistics worker. He also highlighted the presence of gangs who rob people and sell supplies on the black market.

The foundation touts the delivery of nearly 26 million "meals" since starting operations. However, with nearly half a million people facing catastrophic hunger levels, this equates to roughly 0.6 meals per person, and the definition of "meal" remains unclear. The calorie target is also significantly below humanitarian standards.

Juliette Touma, communications director for UNRWA, emphasized the decades of experience and established systems that UNRWA and other groups have in serving Palestinians. She criticized the notion that a private security company can easily replace these organizations, particularly given the complex needs of the population, including access to cooking facilities, hygiene supplies, and proper sanitation.

The consequences of this chaotic aid distribution are dire. Saleem al-Najili, a nurse at the UK-Med field hospital, laments the inevitable surge of casualties every time the GHF center opens. "Every time the GHF center opens its doors, I know what’s coming," he said. "It means more blood and screaming, more impossible decisions on whom we can treat. And fewer people we can actually save."

The dire situation in Gaza highlights the urgent need for a safe, effective, and principled approach to humanitarian aid. The current "death race" for food is not only unsustainable but also deeply inhumane. A return to established humanitarian practices, with full access and oversight for experienced organizations, is critical to alleviating the suffering of the Gazan people.

Source: https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2025-06-19/gaza-hospital-foundation-israel-food