Two American contractors have revealed alarming accounts of violence at Gaza aid distribution sites, where they say U.S. security staff—hired by a secretive U.S.-Israeli-backed group—fired live rounds and used stun grenades on hungry Palestinians. Videos and internal reports obtained by the Associated Press show heavily armed personnel unleashing crowd control tactics on civilians desperate for food, raising serious concerns over aid protocols, oversight, and accountability in the besieged enclave.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.-registered entity supported by Israeli authorities, is distributing food in Gaza as an alternative to UN-led operations. But according to two American contractors employed on the ground, the sites are plagued by “dangerous and irresponsible” practices. They described colleagues firing bullets “in all directions” and using pepper spray and stun grenades in situations where no immediate threat was present.

Footage obtained by AP shows crowds trapped behind metal barriers, surrounded by gunfire and tear gas, while English-speaking guards discuss using force to disperse civilians. In one recording, a contractor appears to celebrate after a person is possibly shot: “Hell, yeah, boy!”

An internal report from subcontractor Safe Reach Solutions noted injuries during nearly a third of all aid distributions in June.

Surveillance, Facial Recognition, and Israeli Coordination

Contractors allege GHF sites also serve an intelligence function. They described a control room at the Kerem Shalom crossing where American analysts and Israeli soldiers monitor crowds using facial recognition software. Photos of “suspicious” individuals are reportedly shared with Israeli forces. SRS denies using biometrics or conducting intelligence gathering.

Palestinians trying to reach the sites say they’re caught between American contractors and Israeli soldiers. The Gaza Health Ministry claims Israeli fire has killed or wounded hundreds en route to food sites. Israel denies targeting civilians but admits to firing warning shots and is investigating.

A Chaotic Rollout

Contractors claim the aid operation was hastily organized. Many guards had no combat experience and lacked proper training. Weapons were distributed without testing whether staff could handle them. “If operations continue in this manner, innocent aid seekers will continue to be needlessly injured — and possibly killed,” one contractor warned.

A spokesperson for UG Solutions, the American company hiring security personnel, said all staff undergo strict vetting and firearms proficiency tests. SRS, which manages the sites, maintains the environment is secure and denies knowledge of the violent footage.

Meanwhile, the U.S. pledged $30 million to GHF last month—the first known American contribution to the group, whose funding sources remain largely hidden.