
Desperate Palestinians overwhelmed a US-backed food distribution center in Gaza, prompting Israeli troops to fire warning shots into the chaotic crowd seeking aid amidst severe shortages.
At a Glance
- Chaos erupted at a Gaza food distribution center run by Global Humanitarian Front (GHF), a US-backed group designated by Israel to manage aid operations
- Israeli troops fired warning shots as starving Palestinians tore down fences and overwhelmed the facility, causing at least three injuries
- The UN and major humanitarian organizations have refused to participate in GHF’s aid system, citing violations of humanitarian principles
- Israel claims the new system prevents Hamas from siphoning supplies, while critics argue it’s a mechanism for population control
- Palestinians face severe food shortages due to a nearly three-month Israeli blockade limiting aid deliveries
Chaos Erupts at Gaza Distribution Center
Scenes of desperation unfolded at a food distribution hub in Gaza as Palestinians, facing severe food shortages, stormed the facility operated by the Global Humanitarian Front (GHF). The crowd swelled quickly, overwhelming staff and security measures as people tore down fences to access desperately needed supplies. Israeli troops stationed nearby responded by firing warning shots, causing panic among the crowd and forcing many to flee without receiving aid.
Ahmed Abu Taha, who witnessed the incident, described the scene plainly: “It was chaos.” At least three Palestinians were injured during the incident, including one man seen bleeding from his leg. GHF staff followed safety protocols and temporarily retreated during the turmoil, while armed private contractors attempted to maintain security near Israeli military positions.
The IDF denies reports claiming it opened fire from a helicopter during today's chaos at an aid distribution site in southern Gaza's Khan Younis, when thousands of Palestinians overran the site.
In a statement, the IDF says it did not carry out "any aerial fire toward the… https://t.co/H0voUPRikI
— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) May 27, 2025
Controversial Aid System Faces Resistance
The distribution hub represents a new approach to aid delivery in Gaza, operated by GHF, an organization designated by Israel to manage humanitarian operations. This system has been rejected by the United Nations and other major humanitarian organizations, which refuse to participate citing serious concerns about its operation. The Israeli government maintains this approach is necessary to prevent Hamas from diverting supplies, a claim the UN has consistently disputed.
“There was no order, the people rushed to take, there was shooting, and we fled,” said Hosni Abu Amra, describing the events at the distribution center.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged a temporary loss of control at the distribution center but stated it was quickly regained. The Israeli military later reported that “control over the situation was established.” Critics note that GHF’s use of facial recognition technology and other controversial practices have raised significant humanitarian and ethical concerns.
Growing Humanitarian Crisis
Palestinians in Gaza are increasingly desperate for food and other essentials due to an Israeli blockade that has severely restricted the flow of aid for nearly three months. The United Nations reports that the amount of aid currently allowed into Gaza remains insufficient to meet the population’s basic needs. COGAT, the Israeli defense body overseeing Palestinian affairs, reports approximately 400 trucks of supplies waiting at Gaza crossings, with UN agencies struggling to collect them due to insecure routes.
The UN and established aid groups have been conducting large-scale aid distribution throughout the conflict, but Israel’s plan to replace this network with GHF has created additional tensions. Humanitarian organizations argue that the new system will not adequately meet Gaza’s needs and raises concerns about Israeli control over aid distribution. Meanwhile, Palestinians caught in this political struggle continue to face severe shortages of food, medicine, and other critical supplies.