GHF-run food distributions in Gaza are sites of “orchestrated killing”

A REPORT BY MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES

  • The GHF-run food distributions in Gaza, Palestine, have become sites of “orchestrated killing and dehumanisation”, not humanitarian aid.
  • A new MSF report documents the horrors witnessed by MSF staff at two clinics that regularly received mass influxes of casualties following violence at sites run by the GHF.
  • MSF calls for the immediate dismantling of the GHF scheme and the restoration of the UN-coordinated aid delivery mechanism.

An analysis of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) medical data, patients’ testimonies, and first-hand medical witnessing at two MSF clinics in Gaza, Palestine, point to both targeted and indiscriminate violence by Israeli forces and private American contractors against starved Palestinians at food distribution sites run by the so-called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). 

MSF calls for the immediate dismantling of the GHF scheme; the restoration of the UN-coordinated aid delivery mechanism; and calls on governments, especially the United States, as well as private donors to suspend all financial and political support for the GHF, whose sites are essentially death traps.

A new MSF report, This is not aid. This is orchestrated killing, documents the horrors witnessed by MSF staff at two clinics that regularly received mass influxes of casualties following violence at sites run by the GHF, an Israeli-US proxy that has militarised food distribution.

Between 7 June and 24 July 2025, 1,380 casualties, including 28 dead, were received at MSF’s Al-Mawasi and Al-Attar clinics in southern Gaza, located near the GHF-run distribution sites. 

During those seven weeks, our teams treated 71 children for gunshot wounds, 25 of whom were under the age of 15. Faced with no alternatives to find food, starved families frequently send teenage boys into this lethal environment, as they are often the only males in the household physically able to make the journey.

In May 2025, the genocide in GazaPalestine, took a further disturbing turn as Israeli authorities sought to dismantle the UN-led humanitarian response and replace it with a militarised food distribution scheme run by a previously unknown entity — the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). All four distribution sites operated by the GHF are located in areas under full Israeli military control and “secured” by private American armed contractors.

MSF’s report ‘This is not aid. This is orchestrated killing’ draws on medical data, patient testimonies and first-hand medical witnessing to demonstrate that what has been branded as “aid distribution” is in fact a system of institutionalised starvation and dehumanisation.

MSF calls for an immediate cessation of the GHF distribution mechanism and urges states and private donors to refrain from funding what is essentially a death trap.

This is not aid. This is orchestrated killing.pdf — 2.63 MBDownload

MSF operates two primary healthcare centres in southern Gaza located in close proximity to the GHF distribution sites. Between 7 June and 24 July 2025, these health centres received 1,380 injured people, including 28 dead bodies from the GHF sites.

This represents only a fraction of the total number of people killed and injured at the distribution sites. MSF’s two health centres — due to their sheer proximity to the GHF sites — now place biweekly orders for body bags.

Over a seven-week period in June and July 2025, MSF staff treated 174 people for gunshot wounds originating from the GHF sites. The vast majority of those injured — 96 per cent — were young men. This reflects a grim survival strategy: families are sending the youngest and fittest to retrieve food.

The injured who arrive in our clinics are normally covered in sand and dust from time spent lying on the ground while taking cover from bullets.

A significant number of injured patients coming from the Khan Younis distribution centre (SDS3) had gunshot wounds to the lower limbs. The anatomical precision of these injuries strongly suggests intentional targeting of people within the distribution sites, rather than accidental or indiscriminate fire.

Of the 28 dead bodies received in our health centres, all but one were young men (aged 20–30 approximately) with gunshot wounds to the upper body.

ORGREAVE: ANSWERS AT LAST?

Campaigners welcome government announcement to hold an Orgreave Inquiry 

Since setting up in 2012 the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign (OTJC) have worked relentlessly to place on the political agenda the urgent need for an inquiry into the role of the police and government during the miners’ strike at the Orgreave coking plant on 18th June 1984 and why neither the police or government have ever been held to account.

An inquiry should give clear answers to:

– who was responsible for organising and ordering the deployment of multiple police forces, including mounted police armed with truncheons, shields and dogs, against striking miners?

– who and how was it decided that striking miners should be attacked and arrested at Orgreave and charged with riot and unlawful assembly, which carried heavy prison sentences?

– why has the police operational order for police deployments that day disappeared and other evidence been destroyed or embargoed until 2066 and 2071?

The revelations about the role of South Yorkshire Police (SYP) in the Hillsborough tragedy after the report of the Hillsborough Independent Panel in September 2012, the Inside Out television programme of October 2012 highlighting fabricated evidence by SYP against miners charged at Orgreave and the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) report of May 2015 indicating the need for a wider inquiry into policing at Orgreave, gave further impetus for why the OTJC rightly believed that the case for an inquiry was absolutely necessary.

The Conservative Government repeatedly refused to hold any kind of Orgreave inquiry. 

Labour Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper has recently been exploring the key issues for an inquiry / investigation such as the scope and format to ensure it best meets the needs outlined by various stakeholders including the OTJC, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), lawyers and politicians.

We are pleased that the Home Secretary has now ordered that an independent inquiry with statutory powers will finally go ahead and we look forward to meeting with the Chair of that inquiry to discuss the draft terms of reference of the inquiry.

OTJC Secretary, Kate Flannery, said: “We have waited a long time for this day and this is really positive news. All these years of hard work by the OTJC and our many supporters has helped to influence this constructive announcement.

“We appreciate the Labour Party’s 9 year commitment to holding some kind of Orgreave inquiry.  We now need to be satisfied that the inquiry is given the necessary powers to fully investigate all the aspects of the orchestrated policing at Orgreave, and have unrestricted access to all relevant  information including government, police and media documents, photos and films”

Kevin Horne, miner arrested at Orgreave said: ““It is now over 41 years since a paramilitary style police operation was planned at Orgreave and it is important to remember that some of the miners attacked and arrested there are now dead and many others are old and ill.

“We need a quick and thorough inquiry with a tight timescale so that surviving miners can at last obtain the truth and justice they have been waiting for. Plenty of information exists and has already been obtained to give an inquiry a substantial head start”

Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper said: ““I pay tribute to the campaigners who never stopped in their search for truth and justice, and I look forward to continuing to work with them as we build an inquiry that gets the answers they and their communities deserve.”

Orgreave Justice campaigners say the The inquiry should: 

  • have the power to require all the relevant information and evidence to be produced to it;
  • ensure those who have an interest in the inquiry must be able to fully participate in order to lend their experience, knowledge and understanding to the process;
  • be accessible and inclusive to allow people to provide oral contributions to the evidence gathering process.

This is an historic and momentous announcement, and the OTJC looks forward to the next stages and the inquiry commencing as soon as possible.

Standing Up For Our Community

BYSTANDER INTERVENTION WORKSHOP IN LEITH

The increase in racial/hate motivated harassment and aggression in the last few years has made it clear that we need to get better at standing up for each other.

Join us Tuesday, July 8, at St James Church (11A John’s Pl, EH6 7EL) for a co-led workshop where we will share our experiences and knowledge to build and practice the skills needed to counter racist, sexist, transphobic and ableist harassment and violence in public spaces.

Hosted by Zionism Free Leith

https://www.instagram.com/zfleith/?hl=en

USDAW calls for attacks on retail workers and theft from shops to be given priority

RETAIL CRIME IN SCOTLAND CONTINUES TO INCREASE

Retail trade union Usdaw is concerned by the continued growing trend of shoplifting incidents, which have more than doubled since the pandemic, alongside a persistent decline in police ‘clear-up’ rates for the offence.

The union welcomes that the protection of retail workers law has been effective in nearly 8,000 assaults, but calls for greater priority to be given to retail crime.

Police recorded retail crime in Scotland:

  • Shoplifting increased from 20,557 during the pandemic to 44,730 last year (2024/5), which is a 118% increase and includes a 16% rise on the previous year (2023/4).
  • The ‘clear-up’ rate for shoplifting has fallen every year over the past 10 years from 74.6% in 2014/5 to 49% in 2024/5, an overall decrease of over one-third.
  • Since the Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-restricted Goods and Services) (Scotland) Act 2021 came into effect on 24 August 2021, there have been 7,861 police recorded incidents of common assault of a retail worker. 

www.gov.scot/publications/recorded-crime-scotland-2024-25

Tony Doonan – Usdaw regional secretary for Scotland says: “Scottish retail workers suffer far too many incidents of violence, abuse and threats. No-one should feel afraid to go to work, but far too many retail workers are.

“Usdaw’s own survey shows that nearly three-quarters of our members working in retail are being abused, threatened and assaulted for simply doing their job and serving the community. They provide an essential service and deserve our respect and the protection of the law.

“The scale of the epidemic of retail crime is laid bare in these shocking police recorded crime statistics. It is increasingly common for retail stores to be targeted by organised crime gangs stealing to order.

“This is in no way a victimless crime, with weapons and violence used to ensure these criminals are not stopped.

“Having to deal with repeated and persistent offences can cause issues beyond the theft itself, like anxiety, fear and physical harm to retail workers.

“Scotland’s protection of retail workers law has made a difference, having been used for nearly 8,000 assaults, but more needs to be done.

“We continue to work with retailers, the Scottish Government and Police Scotland to help ensure that legislation is fully utilised so that all retail workers receive the protection and respect they deserve.”

Two more arrests in connection with violent incidents in the East and West

Officers investigating the violent incidents in the East and West of the country have made two further arrests, bringing the total to 44.

Following the recovery of a firearm in the Roseburn Path area of Edinburgh on Wednesday, 11 June, 2025, a 25-year-old man was subsequently arrested and charged in connection and was due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today, Friday, 13 June.

Officers also executed warrants this morning at addresses in South Queensferry and Edinburgh.

A 22-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with fire-raising of a vehicle on Peacocktail Close in Edinburgh on Friday, 16 May. He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 16 June.

A 21-year-old man has also been reported to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with wilful fire-raisings at two properties in Glasgow and one in Shotts in April.

A dedicated team of officers from our Specialist Crime Division, with support from local divisions across the country, continue to carry out extensive enquiries to gather vital evidence and reassure the public with intelligence-led patrols.

Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry said: “Our continued activity and arrests show our commitment to targeting organised crime and bringing those responsible to justice.

“We continue to investigate and follow a number of positive lines of enquiry. The support and response from the public has been excellent, and I am grateful for the assistance given to us and that continued support from local communities is crucial as we progress our enquiries.

“If you know anything that could assist our ongoing investigation, please do the right thing and speak to us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0562 of Friday, 21 March, 2025. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Lothian Road assault: Police release CCTV images

Police Scotland have released images of a man they believe may be able to assist officers with an ongoing investigation into an assault in Edinburgh which occurred at around 2.05am on Saturday, 26 April, 2025 on Lothian Road.

The man in the images is described as being of South Asian appearance, slim build, 5ft 6in to 5ft 9in tall and aged late teens to early twenties, with short dark hair. He was wearing a dark hooded jacket, dark bottoms and dark trainers.

Detective Constable Christopher Stewart said: “I would urge this man or anyone who recognises him to please make contact with us.

“I would also ask anyone who witnessed the incident, or anyone with information relating to the incident, to please speak to officers via 101, quoting reference 1272 of 27 April 2025.

“Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Another arrest in central belt organised crime gangs feud

A further arrest has been made as detectives continue to investigate a number of linked incidents in the West and East of Scotland, bringing the total to 42.

Officers executed a warrant at an address in Glasgow on the evening of Thursday, 29 May, 2025.

A 20-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with fire-raising at a house on Drumchapel Road, Glasgow, on Tuesday, 13 May. He appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Friday, 30 May. 

Extensive enquiries remain ongoing and a dedicated team of officers from our Specialist Crime Division, with support from local divisions across the country, continue to work together to gather vital evidence and reassure the public with intelligence-led patrols. 

Over the course of the investigation so far, more than 8,000 homes have been visited and more than 1,600 vehicles have been stopped, as officers continue to gather information.

Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry said: “I want to be clear that violence will not be tolerated, and we will not stop until we bring those responsible to justice. 

“We are still following positive lines of enquiry, and this arrest highlights our continued resolve to target organised crime. 

“The support of our communities remains vital, and I want to again express my sincere thanks to the public for their continued help and information so far. 

“If you know anything that could assist our ongoing investigation, please do the right thing and speak to us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0562 of Friday, 21 March, 2025. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Dawn raids see more arrests as fight against crime gangs continues

Detectives investigating a number of linked incidents in the West and East of Scotland arrested six people yesterday following executive action in Glasgow and North Lanarkshire.

This brings the total number of arrests made during this investigation to 32.

On Friday, 9 May, 2025, officers from the Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit, assisted by firearms officers, executed warrants and searched six properties in the Barlanark, Maryhill, Hamiltonhill, Milton of Campsie and Wishaw areas.

In Glasgow, two men, aged 31 and 26, were arrested in connection with conspiracy to murder and directing serious and organised crime.

A 36-year-old man was also arrested in connection with conspiracy to murder.

A 26-year-old man was arrested in connection with drug offences and a 57-year-old man was arrested in connection with proceeds of crime offences.

In Wishaw, a 42-year-old man was arrested in connection with involvement in serious and organised crime.

A number of items, including a quantity of class B drugs and approximately £46,000 in cash, were also seized during the operation.

Extensive enquiries remain ongoing.

A dedicated team of officers from Police Scotland’s Specialist Crime Division and the local division continue to work together to gather vital evidence and reassure the public with intelligence-led patrols.

Detective Chief Superintendent David Ferry said: “These arrests continue to highlight the hard work and dedication of officers to target those responsible for these attacks.

“While the number of incidents has continued to decrease since the start of this investigation, I want to reiterate that violence will not be tolerated and will not stop until we bring those responsible for this criminality to justice.

“We are working tirelessly to build cases and are following a number of significant lines of enquiry.

“The support of our communities is absolutely vital when it comes to tackling serious organised crime, preventing violence and getting justice for victims and I want to again thank the public for their help and information so far.

“If you know anything about these dangerous and abhorrent acts, please do the right thing and speak to us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0562 of Friday, 21 March, 2025. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Help stop young people being exploited by criminal gangs

Help stop young people in Scotland being exploited by criminal gangs.

County Line gangs are using violence and intimidation to recruit young people into drug networks.

Know the signs of exploitation:

• Change in behaviour

• Signs of assault and/or malnutrition

• Access to numerous phones

• Use of unusual terms e.g. ‘going country’

• Associating with gangs

• Unexplained bus or train tickets

• School truancy or going missing

• Unexplained gifts e.g. clothing, trainers, cash

https://orlo.uk/30ijC

13 years for ‘prolific’ sex offender

A 37-year-old man will spend the next 13 years in prison after he was sentenced for serious sexual offences, violence and abusive behaviour.

Anthony Gibson came to the attention of police in November 2020 when it was discovered he had abused two women.

Following initial inquiries, it was apparent Gibson had subjected other women to his abusive behaviour. His offences occurred in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Lanarkshire and Fife.

As a result of the ongoing enquiries, Gibson was arrested and charged in connection with serious sexual assaults, violence and abusive and controlling behaviour.

He was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow on Monday, 11 November, 2024.

Detective Inspector Frank Keegan : “Gibson is a prolific offender. I can only hope that the women he harmed take some solace in knowing he can no longer inflict his violent and abusive behaviour on them or any other women.

“It is incredibly difficult for anyone to stand up and confront an abuser and I would like to thank the women for their strength and resilience in speaking with us. I would encourage anyone who has been or is being subjected to violence and abuse to report it to us.”