The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a prominent aid group operating in the besieged territory of Gaza, has firmly denied allegations made by the Associated Press (AP) that U.S. contractors were responsible for firing on aid-seeking Palestinians. In a statement shared on the social media platform X, the organization stated that the reports by the AP, which were published on Wednesday, are ‘categorically false.’ GHF asserted that it will take legal action against the AP, blaming the outlet for not conducting due diligence, particularly following the use of a former employee as a source for the report.
The AP’s report claimed that U.S. contractors monitoring aid distribution sites in Gaza often used live ammunition and stun grenades against Palestinians scrambling for food. According to the story, two anonymous workers, who were allegedly on-site, reported that their colleagues frequently hurled stun grenades and pepper spray at Palestinians attempting to secure aid. One of the contractors reportedly stated that bullets were fired in all directions—both upward and at the ground, with at least one incident where the contractor believed someone had been struck.
The article included videos submitted by the contractor, which purported to show hundreds of Palestinians crowded between metal gates, trying to access food amid the sounds of gunfire, stun grenades, and pepper spray. Other footage also showed conversations between English-speaking men discussing how to manage the crowds and encouraging one another after bursts of gunfire. These clips were used to support the AP’s claim that the contractors were using force against aid-seekers. However, GHF refuted these allegations, stating that the gunfire on the footage was not from the contractors but from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), who were stationed outside the GHF distribution site.
GHF emphasized that no one at their site was under fire, and no individuals were injured. The foundation also accused the AP of basing its story on a former employee who had been dismissed for misconduct weeks before the report was published, calling this a ‘lack of good faith.’ In addition, GHF suggested that the AP’s coverage of their aid efforts echoed the narratives promoted by the Hamas-controlled Gaza Ministry of Health, which they believe further undermines the report’s credibility.
The GHF’s statement went on to indicate that it will pursue legal action against the AP, citing the outlet’s failure to verify facts and the potential for reputational harm to the aid group. Meanwhile, the AP stood by its story, as confirmed by an AP spokesperson. The IDF, when contacted for a comment, did not immediately respond. Other developments in the region include the recent agreement by Israel to accept a 60-day ceasefire proposal by U.S. President Donald Trump, which could bring an end to the Gaza war with Hamas and potentially lead to peace talks, as reported in other Fox News articles.