Gaza strip: The head of a UN office in the Gaza Strip has described an aid distribution scheme run by a rival organization as a ‘sadistic death trap.’ Philippe Lazzarini, leading the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), has voiced serious concerns over a new distribution mechanism implemented by a group called the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
According to Ghana News Agency, the GHF has been operating with the backing of Israel and the UN. However, there have been numerous reports in Palestinian media alleging that the centers are targeted by Israeli attacks, endangering those queuing for aid. These distribution centers are protected by private U.S. security firms, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Lazzarini expressed his alarm on social media platform X, stating, ‘Snipers open fire randomly on crowds as if they are given a license to kill. A massive hunt of people, in total impunity. This cannot be our new norm; humanitarian assistance is not the job of mercenaries.’ His comments reflect a broader concern about the safety and integrity of humanitarian operations in the area.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has consistently denied these allegations. Nonetheless, according to the UN, there have been hundreds of deaths at GHF distribution stations since May, underscoring the grave risk faced by those seeking aid. Israel claims the new distribution scheme is a measure to prevent Hamas from diverting aid supplies.
Before the introduction of this new system, the UN operated around 400 distribution stations serving approximately 2 million Palestinians. However, these stations are now barely functioning due to severe supply restrictions imposed by Israel, further complicating the humanitarian crisis in the region.