After a slow and chaotic start, thousands of Palestinians have been gathering at aid distribution points in Gaza, urgently seeking food amid a severe humanitarian crisis. The new US-backed aid system, operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) and endorsed by Israel, has faced criticism for disorderly scenes and fears of violence.
Since Tuesday, GHF has been running aid hubs—currently four sites including three in southern Rafah and one in central Gaza’s Netzarim area. However, the launch saw crowds breaking fences and overwhelming security contractors, highlighting the desperation faced by Palestinians after nearly three months of blockade.
Residents like 25-year-old Wessam Khader described waiting daily for food but receiving only a small package of staples on the first day. Many Palestinians reported no proper identification or screening at distribution sites, despite Israeli claims of security measures to prevent Hamas-affiliated individuals from receiving aid.
Meanwhile, Palestinians in northern Gaza remain cut off from aid, as trucks have been unable to reach those areas due to the ongoing blockade. Hamas denies accusations of diverting aid supplies and asserts it protects deliveries from looters, while Israel maintains the blockade citing concerns over Hamas misuse.
The humanitarian crisis continues amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes that have killed dozens, including 45 people on May 29 alone. International pressure is mounting for a ceasefire, with the US reportedly drafting a proposal to revive peace talks, though fundamental disagreements between Israel and Hamas remain unresolved.
The conflict, triggered by a deadly Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, has resulted in over 54,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread devastation across Gaza.
