US Contractors, Israeli Politics Raise Gaza Aid Alarm

Reports and videos indicate that American contractors guarding Gaza aid distribution sites have used live ammunition, stun grenades, and pepper spray against Palestinians seeking food, resulting in injuries and chaos. Contractors allege that security staff are often unqualified, heavily armed, and operate with little oversight, sometimes firing in all directions and documenting 'suspicious' individuals to share with the Israeli military. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which manages these sites and recently received $30 million in US funding, is under scrutiny for its practices and effectiveness. In parallel, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is considering bringing Benny Gantz's centrist party into his coalition to offset the influence of far-right ministers who oppose a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal. International mediators are reportedly preparing compensation incentives to help Israel overcome domestic opposition to a comprehensive Gaza war agreement. These developments raise questions about both the humanitarian operation's safety and the broader political context of the Gaza conflict.