A group of American security contractors working under the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has been accused of firing live bullets and using stun grenades to disperse Palestinian civilians scrambling for food aid at several distribution points in the Gaza Strip in late June 2025.
According to an Associated Press report, two anonymous contractors provided video footage and photos showing alleged direct gunfire towards crowds, as well as the use of stun grenades and pepper spray to break up long queues of hungry residents. Eyewitnesses described gunfire sounding so close it triggered widespread panic.
GHF quickly denied the allegations. In an official statement, the foundation asserted that all personnel had undergone non-lethal crowd control training and claimed that any gunfire sounds were from Israeli military forces positioned outside the distribution areas. GHF also indicated that an internal investigation found no evidence of their contractors using live ammunition.
The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reported at least 613 people killed or injured near aid distribution sites, with 509 cases occurring at points run by GHF. The UN criticized the involvement of private contractors in these operations as a breach of humanitarian neutrality principles, which has eroded trust among Gaza’s populace.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State said they are reviewing the AP’s open-source evidence and UN data, emphasizing America’s commitment to civilian protection and contractual requirements that mandate high standards for all security service providers.
Humanitarian analysts warn that this incident exacerbates food shortages and compounds trauma for Gaza’s residents, who have endured prolonged blockades and ongoing conflict. Local organizations are calling for an independent investigation and full accountability to ensure civilians are not targeted by violence again.
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