Aid worker Sarah Awaidah faces death threats for feeding 100,000 families in Gaza

In Gaza, humanitarian aid worker Sarah Awaidah organized a large-scale food distribution effort that successfully provided support to over 100,000 families. This initiative was established under the Mena Aid coalition and in alignment with Israeli authorities, which facilitated the delivery of hundreds of trucks filled with essential food and supplies into the region. The operation began scaling up on June 30, 2025, at a time when existing pathways for aid were heavily obstructed by looting and other unrest, rendering the situation critical for many families in need. The aid delivered aimed to bypass corrupt private sector practices that had emerged in the region, particularly those linked to Hamas and other political factions. These groups had previously monopolized the distribution of food, inflating prices and profiting from the humanitarian crisis. Sarah's approach countered this by flooding the market with free supplies, effectively reducing the prices of basic necessities like sugar and flour. She specifically noted that by providing critical goods without charge, her team undermined the ability of corrupt actors to exploit the dire situation. However, this success also led to serious personal backlash against Awaidah. As a result of her defiance against the structure of corruption, she began receiving death threats, which she stated came not only from Gaza but also from the West Bank. The source of some threats stemmed from individuals she once relied on for support, signifying a profound betrayal. Awaidah explained that realizing the extent of familial and social betrayal was particularly painful, adding a layer of emotional turmoil that accompanied the physical threats to her safety. Despite the personal risks, Awaidah remains committed to her cause, stating that she will continue to provide aid to those in need regardless of threats against her life. The importance of her efforts is underscored by the positive change seen in the local community, where families who have lined up for aid have experienced an unprecedented chance to access necessary help free of charge. This systemic disruption in Gaza's humanitarian framework demonstrates that altruistic efforts can prevail even against entrenched corruption, paving the way for a more equitable distribution of resources in crisis situations.