How U.S. and Israel-Backed Aid Delivery in Gaza Turned Deadly | WSJ

Key Concepts:

• Israeli-backed aid system in Gaza
• Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)
• Safe Reach Solutions (SRS)
• Safe zones
• Aid distribution sites
• IDF (Israel Defense Forces)
• Warning shots
• Crowd dispersal flares
• Humanitarian aid access
• Civilian casualties
• UN-led aid system

1. Overview of the New Aid System and Conflicting Narratives

• The video investigates the new Israeli-backed aid distribution system in Gaza, highlighting conflicting narratives about its effectiveness and safety.
• Gazan authorities report over 100 Palestinian deaths while accessing aid, while the American nonprofit in charge claims the model is working.
• The Wall Street Journal analyzed satellite imagery, social media videos, and eyewitness accounts due to restricted access for international journalists.
• The analysis reveals that the current aid distribution process, including routes to limited supplies, endangers people.

2. The Plan and Key Entities Involved

• The aid system involves American security contractors instead of the United Nations, as part of Israel's plan for safe zones in southern Gaza.
• The plan was designed by Israelis, with two key entities: the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) and Safe Reach Solutions (SRS).
• GHF is responsible for distribution, while SRS secures the aid.
• Questions arise about why Safe Reach Solutions, a new company, was selected.
• The director of GHF resigned before the launch, questioning the plan's humanity and neutrality.
• Johnnie Moore, an evangelical PR executive and vocal supporter of Israel, took over GHF.

3. Aid Distribution Sites and Resulting Chaos

• GHF operates four distribution sites built by the IDF in dangerous combat zones.
• Opening locations and times are communicated with little notice via Facebook and WhatsApp.
• People gather hours before dawn, leading to chaotic scrambles for limited supplies.
• Videos show potential use of stun grenades at distribution sites.
• Limited sites, supplies, and operating times create a "Hunger Games" situation.

4. Specific Incident at Al-Alam Roundabout

• Abdullah Jouda recounts walking to the Al-Alam Roundabout on June 1st to access aid.
• GHF posted a warning not to gather before 5:00 AM due to military activity, but people were already present at 4:00 AM.
• Videos corroborate Abdullah's account.
• Abdullah reports shootings in the area.
• GHF claimed no incident occurred at the site and released incomplete footage.
• Streaks of light appear in the footage at 5:05 AM, attributed to crowd dispersal flares by GHF and potentially tracer ammunition by analysts.
• Supplies ran out by 5:45 AM.

5. IDF Response and Conflicting Accounts

• The IDF initially denied firing at civilians near the site.
• Later, an Israeli military official acknowledged warning shots fired one kilometer away, encompassing the roundabout.
• The IDF released a video of armed attackers shooting at people collecting aid, geo-located eight kilometers away from the GHF site, unrelated to the Al-Alam Roundabout incident.
• Ambulances arrived at Nassar Hospital with casualties from near the GHF aid site by 7:30 AM.
• At least 23 people died while going to get aid that morning, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent.

6. Ongoing Violence and IDF Justification

• Reports of violence outside aid sites continue almost daily.
• The IDF claims to operate nearby to prevent aid from falling into Hamas's hands.
• Troops have opened fire outside aid centers at least five more times.
• The IDF acknowledged firing near suspects advancing toward troops, resulting in 27 deaths on one occasion, confirmed by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

7. GHF's Perspective and Future Plans

• GHF claims no deaths or injuries at their sites and has requested increased safety measures from the IDF.
• GHF also alleges threats from Hamas preventing operations.
• An Israeli military official describes the rollout as a "learning process."
• The plan aims to smooth out difficulties over time and open more centers, but currently forces Palestinians to move through combat areas.
• The UN-led system had close to 400 distribution sites, while GHF currently operates only four.
• GHF is pressing the IDF to open more sites, acknowledging that four is insufficient.

8. Synthesis/Conclusion

The Israeli-backed aid system in Gaza, managed by GHF and secured by SRS, faces significant challenges and criticisms. Despite claims of effectiveness, the system is plagued by violence, limited access, and conflicting accounts of incidents. The small number of distribution sites and the need for Palestinians to travel through combat zones to reach them contribute to a chaotic and dangerous environment. The long-term success and safety of the aid distribution model remain uncertain.