Today's News: Chaos Surrounds US and Israel-Backed Gaza Aid Distribution
A new aid distribution system in Gaza, led by the Israel- and U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), has triggered widespread chaos, injuries, and international condemnation.
Photo: Abdel Kareem Hana/AP
Overview
Date: May 27–28, 2025
Topic: International Backlash and Civilian Chaos Surround Israel-Backed Gaza Aid Distribution
Summary: A new aid distribution system in Gaza, led by the Israel- and U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), has triggered widespread chaos, injuries, and international condemnation. The initiative, intended to bypass U.N. mechanisms, was marred by deadly incidents, crowd surges, and Israeli gunfire, resulting in multiple deaths and dozens of injuries. The United Nations and humanitarian groups have denounced the program for violating aid principles and exacerbating humanitarian distress. Amid worsening famine and a fragile ceasefire, the legitimacy and logistics of the new system are under intense scrutiny.
Sources
The New York Times – U.N. Condemns Israel’s New Aid Program in Gaza, After Chaotic Start
CNN – Hundreds of starving Palestinians storm Gaza food warehouse in deadly incident, says UN agency
NBC News – Hungry Palestinians flood new U.S. and Israel-backed aid center in Gaza
The Washington Post – Dozens injured by gunshots amid chaos at Gaza aid hub, U.N. says
The Wall Street Journal – Gazans Lining Up for Food Say Supplies Remain Limited
The Guardian – Four people killed after starving Palestinians burst into UN food warehouse in Gaza
EL PAÍS – Chaos marks the first two days of aid distribution in Gaza by a private foundation outside the UN
Key Points
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) was launched to bypass U.N. aid coordination, provoking international backlash.
Aid distribution descended into chaos: stampedes, looting, and gunfire were reported, resulting in multiple deaths and dozens injured.
Israeli forces fired warning shots; GHF denied causing casualties, despite widespread eyewitness reports.
U.N. agencies refused to participate, citing violations of humanitarian principles and fears of forced displacement.
Many Gazans are living on one meal per day; food insecurity is near famine levels.
Critics argue the system politicizes aid and is being used to depopulate northern Gaza.
Unique Highlights
NBC News reported GHF’s chief Jake Wood resigned over concerns that operations could not meet humanitarian principles.
The Wall Street Journal described Gazans surviving on food begged from others and criticized aid locations as inaccessible.
CNN highlighted the 600th day of war and reported 54,000 Gazans killed, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
The Guardian identified deaths from both crushing and gunshot wounds, citing confusion over who fired on the crowd.
EL PAÍS reported Hamas claims of 10 dead and 62 wounded, higher than other sources, and noted friction between World Central Kitchen and Israeli logistics authorities.
The Washington Post quoted Oxfam and U.N. voices warning that aid had become a "weapon of war."
Contrasting Details
GHF and Israeli sources (NBC News, EL PAÍS) insist no civilians were harmed by their personnel; U.N. and multiple outlets (CNN, The Guardian, The Washington Post) assert most injuries were due to Israeli gunfire.
GHF's effectiveness is supported by U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee (NBC News), while U.N. officials and humanitarian leaders criticize its logistical and ethical failures (The New York Times, The Guardian, The Washington Post).
Casualty figures vary: The Guardian reports 4 dead; CNN and The New York Times report 2; EL PAÍS cites Hamas claims of 10.
Intent framing: The U.S. and Israel frame the new aid system as needed to prevent Hamas diversion (NBC News), while critics call it a means of civilian control and depopulation (The Guardian, The Washington Post).
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