CAIRO, May 28, 2025 – Thousands of Palestinians stormed aid distribution centers in southern Gaza on Tuesday, defying warnings about biometric screening and security checks linked to a US- and Israeli-backed foundation. Severe food shortages caused by nearly three months of Israeli blockade on the war-ravaged enclave drove this chaotic scene.
Desperation Overcomes Fear of Surveillance
Desperation overcame fear of surveillance. Despite earlier hesitations, crowds surged into sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which planned to distribute 8,000 food boxes — enough for approximately 462,000 meals. Many Palestinians initially avoided the centers because they feared biometric screening, especially facial recognition, which they believed Israel would use to track and target recipients. However, hunger pushed them to take the risk, exposing the severe humanitarian crisis gripping Gaza.
Eyewitnesses reported that in Rafah, now fully controlled by Israeli forces, people arrived in droves, on foot and in donkey carts. Videos and photos on social media later showed fences torn down and crowds rushing the aid areas. Israeli forces fired warning shots at the start and end of the confrontation to reassert control. As a result, the fragile system for aid distribution teetered on the brink of collapse, frustrating local residents who depend on food assistance. Palestinians expressed frustration with both the conditions and political dynamics affecting aid.
Hamas, Aid Agencies Reject GHF’s Role
Hamas and aid agencies rejected the GHF’s role. The local resistance group Hamas denounced the GHF’s involvement, accusing it of operating under the cover of the Israeli occupation. Ismail Al Thawabta, head of Gaza’s media office, blamed the foundation’s mismanagement for the chaos. International organizations, including the United Nations and Red Cross, refused to cooperate with GHF, criticizing it for compromising neutrality.
Christian Cardon of the ICRC warned against politicizing aid and emphasized that distribution must remain impartial and based solely on humanitarian need. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric also highlighted that although Israel allows limited deliveries, many bureaucratic and physical hurdles continue to severely hinder aid access.
New Aid System Fuels Deep Distrust
The Israeli military revealed that it set up four aid sites across Gaza in recent weeks. Two of these sites in Rafah began operations on Tuesday. Israeli officials promoted the new system’s ability to screen out individuals allegedly linked to Hamas. However, aid organizations and Palestinians fear that intrusive procedures could be exploited for intelligence purposes.
Many locals voiced concerns over facial recognition tools at aid sites, suspecting Israeli authorities might access the data. Abu Ahmed, a 55-year-old resident, said, “I’m afraid. They said this company is Israeli. Even Hamas said not to go.” Nevertheless, thousands ignored the warnings due to hunger, showing how dire the situation has become for everyday Palestinians.
