Overview
The interview centers on allegations from Anthony Aguilar, a former subcontractor for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), regarding severe humanitarian and legal violations at Gaza aid distribution sites run by US-backed contractors. Aguilar describes systematic violence against starving civilians, criticism of GHF's competence, and calls for urgent restoration of UN-led aid operations.
Famine and Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
- Leading hunger monitors report a worst-case famine scenario unfolding in Gaza, with mass starvation and over 60,000 deaths.
- At least 147 Palestinians, including 88 children, have died from starvation, with the actual count likely higher.
- Gaza aid distribution sites have become deadly, with over 1,000 deaths occurring as civilians crowd for food.
Allegations Against Aid Operations and Contractors
- Anthony Aguilar reports witnessing indiscriminate, lethal force used against unarmed civilians at all four GHF aid sites.
- Sites were deliberately built in active combat zones, violating Geneva Convention protocols for humanitarian sites.
- Razor wire, prohibited for civilian areas, was used to control starving crowds, causing further harm.
- Contractors, including American citizens, are armed with military-grade, armor-piercing ammunition while operating under tourist visas.
- Escalation and lack of rules of engagement led to shootings and lethal incidents at distribution points.
Criticisms of Gaza Humanitarian Foundation
- Aguilar asserts GHF and its US subcontractors are untrained, understaffed, and incapable of managing aid at the required scale.
- Only 92 million meals were distributed in 64 days—enough for 14 days’ worth of meals for the population.
- Calls GHF’s operations inhumane and urges defunding the private foundation in favor of UN-led aid distribution.
Recruitment, Resignation, and Whistleblowing
- Aguilar was recruited by UG Solutions for his military expertise; he was not classified as a US government employee.
- He resigned after 41 days due to ethical objections, claiming promotions and continued pay contradict GHF's claim he was fired for misconduct.
- Aguilar provided videos showing contractors firing on civilians, which he states are authenticated, despite GHF's denials.
Political and Organizational Context
- GHF leadership includes figures with US political and evangelical backgrounds, and its security operations involve former CIA officers and private firms.
- US senators have called to halt funding for GHF, citing reports that aid sites have become deadly and unaccountable.
Decisions
- Aguilar resigned from UG Solutions due to ethical objections to GHF operations.
Recommendations / Advice
- Restore and support United Nations’ full-scale humanitarian aid operations in Gaza.
- Cease funding to GHF and private contractors in favor of proven, accountable mechanisms for aid delivery.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- Will US funding to GHF be discontinued as urged by senators?
- What steps will be taken to investigate allegations of war crimes at aid sites?
- Will the UN be permitted to resume aid operations at former capacity?