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Gaza Update: Humanitarian Aid and Military Concerns – USA, 2025
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are currently investigating reports that civilians have been "harmed" while trying to access aid distribution centers operated by the U.S.-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). This inquiry follows a series of incidents where, since GHF’s operations began in late May 2025 after a three-month blockade of Gaza, there have been continuous reports from medical professionals and the Hamas-led health ministry indicating casualties due to Israeli fire.
According to the United Nations, over 400 Palestinians have lost their lives while attempting to secure essential assistance. In response to these concerns, the IDF announced on Monday that they have issued new directives to military personnel, citing "lessons learned," though specific details about these lessons remain undisclosed.
The IDF has previously asserted that "warning shots" have been fired at "suspects" nearing military positions. Multiple Israeli news outlets, including the Times of Israel, reported that the IDF has acknowledged some Palestinian deaths occurred during aid-seeking efforts, although they dispute the casualty figures provided by Hamas.
Furthermore, the military recognized that certain instances of "inaccurate" fire by Israeli forces have unfortunately led to injuries and fatalities. When queried by the BBC regarding these incidents, the IDF stated that they are assessing reports of harm, emphasizing that any claims of improper conduct will undergo thorough investigation. They refrained from commenting on specifics from Israeli media but firmly rejected allegations of intentional assaults on civilians, notably those raised in a recent Haaretz article. This article cited anonymous IDF members claiming orders were given to shoot at unarmed civilians near aid sites to disperse crowds.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu categorically dismissed the allegations, branding them as "malicious falsehoods." The GHF aid program has faced criticism from various UN agencies, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres labeling it as "inherently unsafe." This initiative aims to circumvent the UN’s role as the primary aid supplier to Palestinians, a step that Israel and the U.S. believe will prevent aid from being misappropriated by Hamas, a claim that the group refutes.
In the early days of GHF operations, several Palestinians were killed in incidents on June 1 and June 3, prompting widespread international outrage. GHF leader Johnnie Moore, speaking with the BBC, acknowledged the deaths near aid distribution sites but contested the assertion that "100% of those casualties are linked to GHF," calling it incorrect.
Access for international journalists, including those from the BBC, into Gaza remains restricted by Israeli authorities. On Monday, the IDF indicated plans to modify access protocols to aid sites, including implementing new fencing and signage aimed at enhancing safety and operational efficiency, ensuring that humanitarian assistance effectively reaches those in need. They also announced the closure of a distribution center in Tel al-Sultan near Rafah, with plans for a new facility nearby.
Last week, the U.S. State Department revealed a $30 million funding commitment to GHF, marking its first direct financial contribution to the organization. Following pressure from U.S. allies and warnings of a looming humanitarian crisis affecting half a million people in Gaza, Israel has partially eased its blockade. This military campaign in Gaza was initiated in response to a brutal attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli fatalities and 251 hostages. Since then, more than 56,500 individuals have reportedly died in Gaza, according to local health authorities.
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