American security contractors are are reportedly using live ammunition and stun grenades against Palestinians seeking food at aid distribution sites in Gaza, according to a new Associated Press investigation.
The AP report reveals testimony from two U.S. contractors who spoke anonymously about concerning security practices at humanitarian aid sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. The contractors told the AP they came forward due to what they described as dangerous operations involving unqualified and heavily armed personnel.
According to the AP investigation, the contractors reported regular use of stun grenades and pepper spray against Palestinian civilians, with one contractor stating that bullets were fired in multiple directions, including toward Palestinians.
Key Findings from AP Report
The Associated Press investigation found that American staff monitor Palestinians seeking food and document those considered suspicious, sharing this information with Israeli military forces, according to contractor accounts.
The AP obtained videos showing hundreds of Palestinians crowded between metal barriers amid sounds of gunfire and explosions, along with audio of English-speaking personnel discussing crowd control tactics.
These revelations provide insight into operations by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which the AP describes as a secretive American organization with Israeli backing that recently received a $30 million U.S. government pledge.
Organization Response
Safe Reach Solutions, the logistics company handling security for the foundation, told the Associated Press that security personnel have fired live rounds into the ground during what they called scattered incidents in early operations for crowd control purposes.
A company spokesperson said these actions occurred during periods of desperation when crowd control was necessary for civilian safety, and claimed no serious injuries have occurred at their sites.
Access Limitations
The AP notes that journalists cannot access the foundation’s sites, which are located in Israeli military-controlled zones, making independent verification of the contractors’ accounts impossible.
This investigation highlights ongoing challenges in humanitarian aid delivery in Gaza and raises questions about oversight of American-funded operations in conflict zones.
This article is based on reporting by The Associated Press. Full details of the investigation can be found in their original report.
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