American contractors use live ammo amid Gaza's humanitarian crisis
- American contractors have been observed using live ammunition and stun grenades at aid distribution sites in Gaza.
- Eyewitness accounts detail chaotic scenes with hundreds of Palestinians crowding for aid amid gunfire and pepper spray.
- These events raise critical questions about the effectiveness and appropriateness of using military tactics in humanitarian missions.
In Gaza, a catastrophic humanitarian crisis has left over two million Palestinians struggling for basic necessities, including food. Recent reports reveal that American contractors, including those from UG Solutions and Safe Reach Solutions, have been deployed to secure aid distribution sites. Eyewitness accounts and videos obtained by the Associated Press highlight the use of live ammunition and stun grenades by these contractors as desperate Palestinians rush to receive aid. This brutal crowd control was noted amid documented chaos at the sites, especially during a surge for aid deliveries in May 2025. On May 26, 2025, the inaugural aid distribution sites developed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) commenced operations. Contractors reported that many people crowded the areas, seeking food amid dire conditions. Witnesses described a scene marked by the sounds of gunfire, as contractors purportedly fired at or around aid seekers, creating an atmosphere of fear. While the spokesperson for Safe Reach Solutions claims that no serious injuries have occurred at their sites, incidents have raised concerns about the appropriateness of using lethal methods for crowd control during what is supposed to be peaceful humanitarian efforts. Additionally, the reports reveal that these contractors have been closely monitored by both American analysts and Israeli soldiers, with near real-time video feeds set up at the sites. Facial recognition technology has been integrated into the systems employed, suggesting a level of oversight that extends beyond mere aid distribution. As tensions rise, some contractors have documented altercations involving aid seekers, although they emphasize that these conflicts have not involved security personnel directly. The chaotic nature of the operation has drawn criticism, with an email from a senior contractor describing the endeavor as poorly organized and lacking in essential resources. The rapid deployment of these contractors just before the aid distribution began raised questions about the viability and safety of these humanitarian efforts. Overall, the situation underscores the complexities of delivering aid in conflict zones, where the line between assistance and aggression can blur significantly.