ActionAid Ireland condemns killing of over 20 people at militarised Gaza aid site

Israel’s militarised aid distribution scheme violates international standards and humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence, ActionAid Ireland is warning. 

Karol Balfe, ActionAid Ireland CEO, said: “Armed contractors and militarised zones are no substitute for a functioning humanitarian system. People are being starved – they need food, not bullets.”

The militarised aid distribution system in Gaza run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation and backed by the Israeli and US violates the key humanitarian principles of impartiality, neutrality and independence and weaponizes aid, turning it into a system of oppression and control.

Ms Balfe said: “These killing zones must cease to exist. The Israeli government has weaponised humanitarian aid, turning it into a tool of oppression, deepening its control over Gaza and continuing the collective punishment and displacement of Palestinians.”

“People in desperate need of food are being forced into death traps at the hands of the US-Israeli militarised distribution scheme, Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).”

She added: “The world cannot continue to stay silent. These atrocities must end. The genocide must end. Israel must be held accountable. States must act now to ensure the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, through the United Nations, including UNRWA, and other humanitarian organisations with the experience and capacity to respond.”