On May 27, 2025, U.S.-backed aid distribution centers in Gaza, operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), experienced significant challenges as thousands of Palestinians overwhelmed the facilities in desperate attempts to obtain food. The centers, established to provide humanitarian assistance amid a severe hunger crisis, distributed approximately 8,000 food boxes—equating to over 460,000 meals—on their first day of operation.
The aid initiative, supported by the U.S. and Israel, aims to deliver food directly to civilians while preventing diversion by Hamas. However, the distribution process faced immediate obstacles. Reports indicate that Hamas erected roadblocks to impede access to the aid centers, leading to chaotic scenes as Gazans broke through barriers to reach the supplies.
At the Tel al-Sultan site near Rafah, the situation escalated when large crowds breached fences, prompting GHF staff to temporarily withdraw for safety. Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) fired warning shots to control the crowd, resulting in panic and injuries among those present.
The aid distribution centers employ biometric screening measures, including facial recognition technology, to prevent individuals associated with Hamas from accessing supplies. This approach has drawn criticism from humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations, which have refused to participate in the initiative, citing concerns over the politicization and militarization of aid.
GHF’s executive director, Jake Wood, resigned shortly before the launch of the aid centers, expressing concerns that the program could not uphold core humanitarian principles such as neutrality and independence.
Despite the challenges, GHF plans to expand its operations, aiming to reach over one million Gazans by the end of the week. Additional truckloads of food are expected to be delivered to the distribution sites in the coming days.
