Accounts and videos obtained by the Associated Press reveal American contractors guarding aid distribution sites in Gaza have used live ammunition and stun grenades as Palestinians sought food. According to two contractors, the security personnel were often unqualified, unvetted, and heavily armed, with little oversight. The contractors described frequent use of force, including live rounds and pepper spray, directed at the Palestinians. These practices have led to multiple injuries and potentially at least one instance where someone was thought to have been hit.
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According to accounts from American contractors and corroborated by videos obtained by the AP, U.S. contractors guarding aid distribution sites in Gaza have been using live ammunition and stun grenades against Palestinians seeking food. These contractors described the security staff as often unqualified, heavily armed, and seemingly operating with minimal oversight. The contractors reported firing live rounds, stun grenades, and pepper spray toward the crowds, leading to injuries and raising concerns about the safety of aid seekers. The AP also found that American analysts and Israeli soldiers collaborate, viewing the footage in real-time from a control room, with some cameras equipped with facial recognition software.
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Saudi Arabia is reportedly making the complete removal of Hamas from Gaza a prerequisite for normalizing relations with Israel, according to a source close to the royal court. This stance indicates that ending the current war before Hamas is fully defeated could hinder normalization efforts and potentially impact the expansion of the Abraham Accords. The Saudi government reportedly envisions the Palestinian Authority resuming control of Gaza after Hamas’s removal. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next week, has expressed a desire for a ceasefire and the return of hostages, signaling a potential shift in the dynamics of the conflict.
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Israel acknowledges Palestinian civilians harmed at Gaza aid sites, says ‘lessons learned’. It’s a phrase that’s been echoing, hasn’t it? “Lessons learned.” It’s hard not to feel a surge of… something… when you hear those words in the context of harm to civilians seeking aid. It’s like the very air crackles with the weight of what those words are supposed to mean versus the stark reality they often represent.
They say “lessons learned,” but let’s be honest, the implication, the weight of that statement, falls flat when placed against the backdrop of actions that suggest anything *but* learning. There are accounts, and they’re detailed, of how Israeli troops were apparently engaging in actions that are, at best, deeply concerning, and at worst, something far more sinister.… Continue reading
On Monday, Israeli forces launched airstrikes and gunfire, resulting in the deaths of at least 74 people in Gaza. Airstrikes, including one on a crowded cafe in Gaza City, caused numerous casualties and injuries. In addition to the airstrikes, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinians seeking food aid, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries near aid distribution sites. The Israeli military stated they are reviewing information regarding the attacks and have taken steps to improve organization for the GHF, but Palestinians claim they were indiscriminately fired upon. This continued violence led to widespread evacuation orders and a “scorched earth” campaign across Gaza City and Jabaliya.
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The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has revealed a tragic loss, announcing the murder of twelve of its local staff members. Reports also indicate that other GHF personnel have been subjected to torture. This devastating news comes amid ongoing conflict and the distribution of aid, highlighting the dangers faced by humanitarian workers in the region. The GHF’s announcement underscores the dire conditions and the vulnerability of those providing critical assistance.
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Following a closed-door session, the UN and European Union are spearheading an effort to dismantle the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The United States and Israel are actively working to thwart this initiative, according to reports. The efforts to block the initiative are ongoing and highlight the complex political dynamics surrounding aid and security in the region. Further details regarding the reasoning behind the GHF’s targeted dismantling have yet to be fully disclosed.
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BBC staff are reportedly in “open revolt” over the corporation’s decision not to air the documentary “Gaza: Doctors Under Attack,” which was commissioned and then scrapped. The documentary, made by Emmy-award winning filmmakers, examines allegations of Israeli targeting of hospitals and was set to be shown on Channel 4 instead. More than 300 BBC staff members have allegedly signed an open letter expressing concerns about “censorship” and labeling the decision as “political.” The BBC stated that the documentary risked creating a perception of partiality and did not meet impartiality standards.
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Recent Israeli strikes across Gaza have resulted in at least 72 deaths, exacerbating the ongoing humanitarian crisis. These attacks, which began late Friday and continued into Saturday, targeted various locations, including shelters and tent camps. Amidst the violence, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested a potential ceasefire agreement could be reached within a week, and Israel’s minister for strategic affairs is scheduled to meet with US officials. The conflict has already claimed the lives of over 56,000 Palestinians, with the situation further compounded by severe food shortages and the disruption of aid distribution by armed groups and Israeli forces.
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The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) reports that Hamas has placed bounties on the heads of its workers, including U.S. security personnel and local aid staff, offering monetary rewards for their injury or death. This follows a previous attack by Hamas on GHF workers that resulted in 12 deaths and instances of torture. GHF is calling on the international community to condemn Hamas’ actions and support their aid efforts, which have already distributed nearly 50 million meals. The organization recently received a $30 million funding boost from the U.S. State Department.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood