What was intended as a humanitarian effort has turned into a nightmare – a new humanitarian program in Gaza, supported by the United States and Israel, is facing scathing criticism. The UN calls it a "death trap," while Doctors Without Borders speaks of "killing disguised as aid."

According to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) initiative is "dangerous and killing people." Unlike traditional UN distribution, the GHF relies on just four distribution points for the entire Gaza Strip – and these are located in heavily militarized zones. The result has been shootings into crowds and hundreds of deaths.

Doctors Without Borders has reported that more than 500 Palestinians have died while trying to obtain food. The UN reports a total of over 400 deaths since the easing of the blockade in May, most of them occurring while attempting to access the GHF's "aid."

Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, called the new system a "shameful trap" and likened it to the dystopian Hunger Games. He argues that this "new aid" is taking more lives than it is saving.

While Israeli authorities deny responsibility and claim they are not targeting civilians, the UN is refusing to cooperate with the GHF. Guterres is calling for political courage and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza: "Searching for food must not be a death sentence."

Meanwhile, the healthcare system in Gaza is collapsing – almost half of the essential medicines are out of stock, and the remaining supplies will soon be depleted. According to local authorities, the number of casualties since October 7, 2023, has reached over 56,000 dead and 133,000 injured.

Palestinian NGOs are urgently calling for the opening of borders, the provision of food, medicine, and fuel. "Children do not understand politics. Hunger and disease do not wait," they tell the world.

CMG