A report by webangah News agency, citing Qatari network Al Jazeera and the Associated Press (AP), details alarming conduct by U.S. security contractors at humanitarian aid distribution centers in Gaza. According to two American contractors interviewed by AP, guards repeatedly fired live rounds at Palestinian civilians.
The investigative report documents systemic failures including reckless use of military-grade ammunition, unprofessional conduct, and a severe lack of training among security personnel. Contractors reported frequent deployment of stun grenades, pepper spray, and live fire against Palestinians awaiting aid.
“Shooting came from all directions-sometimes directly at civilians lined up for food,” one contractor told AP.
Two other U.S. contractors expressed grave concerns about their colleagues’ actions, having filed formal complaints about “dangerous and irresponsible behavior.” Sources revealed many guards were hired via email just days before deployment without military backgrounds or proper weapons training-receiving engagement protocols three days late.
Contractors described the aid centers as chaotic and lacking field leadership,warning that continued mismanagement endangers more civilian lives. A contracted security firm’s report showed injuries occurred in 31% of June’s two-week aid distribution operations.
However, Safe Reach Solutions-another security provider-claimed no serious injuries occurred under its watch and denied firing toward civilians during rare shooting incidents.
Gaza Humanitarian Institute Responds
The Gaza Humanitarian Institute dismissed the allegations as misinformation spread by “individuals with personal agendas,” asserting its teams comprise “experts in humanitarian logistics and security.”
The AP report follows yesterday’s killing of 25 Palestinians awaiting aid in Gaza through gunfire-incidents that corroborate claims of Western guards using live ammunition at distribution sites.
