cross-posted from: https://hexbear.net/post/5457337

Snip:

US security contractors for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) say they are firing live ammunition, stun grenades, and pepper spray against Palestinian civilians attempting to collect food in Gaza, according to testimonies and video evidence reviewed by AP.

“There are innocent people being hurt. Badly. Needlessly,” one contractor said, describing unqualified, unvetted, and heavily armed guards hired to manage crowd control at US-funded aid distribution sites.

Speaking anonymously due to fears of retaliation, two contractors said lethal force is used routinely, even when no threat is present. “Bullets were fired in all directions – in the air, into the ground and at times toward the Palestinians,” one said, recalling at least one instance where a person was likely hit.

US authorities pledged $30 million to support the aid scheme's operations in May, bypassing UN mechanisms. Journalists have been barred from accessing the sites, located inside Israeli military-controlled zones.