Chaos in the Gaza Strip: Aid distribution ends in tumults!

Chaos in the Gaza Strip: Aid distribution ends in tumults!

Rafah, Gazastreifen, Palästina - tumult and chaotic scenes characterize the aid distribution in the Gaza Strip, which has started today in a new distribution center, near Rafah. A journalist of the AP news agency reported on an Israeli tank near the center and audible shots, while military helicopters fired fluorescent rockets that produced smoke at an impact site. The Israeli military made it clear that warning shots were submitted outside the distribution center and the situation was now under control. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu even spoke of a "certain loss of control", but emphasized that the situation was ultimately dominated.

Although the Gaza Humanitrian Foundation (GHF) has started distributing food, eyewitnesses report confusing conditions. While only a few people received food packages in the morning, hundreds of thousands later flocked to the center. People had to pass an Israeli military position, which led to long snakes in which all people present were searched and scanned before they were given access to relief goods. This presence led to tumults in which the fences of the distribution center were demolished and boxes were torn.

chaos and security problems

The high level of stress and fear made the staff flee on site. Some witnesses reported shots and the use of military aircraft in the area. Overall, hardly any people received relief supplies; Many reported a lack of food. Only a few people were able to pick up boxes with staple foods. Three people were injured in the tumults, including one who bleed on the leg. The GHF spokesman said that the group had not fired any shots and that the staff had withdrawn to ensure people's safety.

The United Nations and other humanitarian organizations reject cooperation with the GHF. They argue that the new distribution system violates international law, since many potential recipients have to cover large distances in areas at risk of war. These risks are particularly worrying for old and sick people who may not be unable to manage the way to the distribution centers.

background of the distribution plan

The GHF, supported by Israel and the USA, operates several distribution centers in the south and center of the Gaza Strip, which are operated by US security companies. In this new strategy, Israel sees the opportunity to prevent Hamas from stealing relief goods and use it for their own purposes. However, critics, including UN representatives, complain that Israel has so far not submitted any evidence of these allegations.

Although the GHF has announced that the help increase every day, the situation remains tense. The planned use of truck loads with food is to reach one million Palestinians by the end of the week, which corresponds to about half of the population of the Gaza Strip. However, the aid organization is under considerable pressure, since there is still an increasing humanitarian crisis, increasingly with limited help from Israel.

In addition, it became known that Jake Woods, the previous head of the foundation, announced his resignation because he doubts the feasibility of the plan. While the GHF is expected to supply only 60 percent of the two million people in the Gaza Strip in the first few weeks, criticism of the suitability and security of the new distribution system is growing.