Declaration of Interdependence

What do private security forces do around the world? We've recently discussed mercenaries in Africa, but today, we're looking at what American contractors are reporting from Gaza. What are they telling the press? Why aren't journalists allowed on-site to verify or refute their accounts independently? The interdependent relationship between global governments and private military contractors is something we will continue to monitor, particularly in humanitarian situations. All of this, in under 15 minutes! 

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Chapters

• 0:00 Welcome
• 0:16 The AP reported concerns from American contractors in Gaza
• 2:50 TW: Description of audio and contractor testimony at a distribution site in Gaza
• 3:35 Why do governments work with private military contractors?
• 6:06 Please read The AP's reporting on contractors in Gaza
• 7:01 50 hostages are still in Gaza
• 7:10 57,000 Palestinians have been reported dead
• 7:26 What do you think about defense spending?
• 8:02 Until next time!

Transcript

Welcome to The Friday Brief, a news podcast by Girl Friday. I’m Phoenix Ricks, the CEO of Girl Friday and your host. This is your brief for July 3, 2025. 

The AP reported that they spoke with American contractors in Gaza who had deeply troubling reports about their colleagues’ behavior at aid distribution sites. Allegedly, contractors are using live ammunition and stun grenades at these sites, and they are firing at Palestinians who are just desperate for food and water. The contractors shared that their colleagues were often “unqualified, unvetted, heavily armed and seemed to have an open license to do whatever they wished.” One contractor said, “There are innocent people being hurt. Badly. Needlessly.” Is there any proof of these activities? 

Well, one contractor shared videos. The AP says in one video that you can see hundreds of Palestinians crammed between metal gates, trying to get aid. In the backdrop, you can hear bullets and stun grenades. In another video, you can hear men talk about how to disperse the gathered crowds. These videos and personal evidence are perhaps the only real insight we currently have into the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s work in Gaza. It is a new American organization that Israel supports. Its stated goal is a good one - it is designed to distribute food to people in Gaza. The AP reports that the U.S. government has pledged $30 million to the organization, but other sponsors are currently unknown. 

And, of note, journalists have not been allowed into Gaza Humanitarian Foundation sites, which are in zones controlled by Israel. As a result, the AP acknowledged that it cannot verify the information provided by the contractors. However, in the article, the AP is very thorough in describing their research methods and the investigation. The AP talked to a logistics company subcontracted by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. They said, "There have been no serious injuries at any of their sites to date.” 

But, in conversations with two contractors hired for security, the AP said the contractors reported that “bullets, stun grenades and pepper spray were used at nearly every distribution, even if there was no threat.” The AP described an extremely disturbing video where armed American security contractors talk about dispersing a crowd. One man says he has arranged for a “show of force” by Israel’s tanks, adding, “I don’t want this to be too aggressive.” But then, the AP says there’s gunfire, and you can hear contractors shouting. One voice says, “I think you hit one.” And another person shouts, “Hell yeah, boy!” The camera angle doesn’t show who is shooting or being shot at, so you have to rely on the audio and witness testimony. The contractor who took the video maintains that other contractors were shooting in the direction of people who were simply walking away after getting food. 

Now, there’s a lot to unpack in this situation, including the fact that journalists are still not permitted at these sites to independently verify what is occurring. Thankfully, the AP does an incredible job of presenting evidence and testimony from all angles and parties. One aspect I’m very interested in is the use of private security forces in humanitarian situations. If you’ve been following this podcast for the past few weeks, you know I’ve discussed current mercenary activity in Africa. I’ve always questioned the use of private military and armed security contractors. 

In the U.S., there is a legal framework and some government oversight for contracts and management, but the ethics of it all are still a bit thin in my opinion. I understand that these situations, including those in Gaza, are dangerous, and security measures may be necessary. But, what’s the driver for a military versus a private contractor’s involvement? And, globally, do we track alleged abuses by private contractors the same way we monitor reported offenses committed by militaries? Do governments employing private security contractors check on their physical and mental health before and after they are deployed? If there is an issue, how is that handled? 

If the situations and conversations reported to the AP were accurate, some of the private American contractors in Gaza do not sound emotionally prepared for the startling humanitarian situation they are in. Unfortunately, concerning reports can be found about private security forces and mercenaries in conflict zones around the world. Typically, those reports include distressing witness testimonies and strongly worded letters from human rights organizations. With a few major exceptions, like the heinous abuses at Abu Ghraib during the war in Iraq, these situations barely make the evening news in the United States. 

But we need to know about these cases. The interdependent relationship between governments, ongoing conflicts, and private defense contractors influences global defense spending. I encourage you to read the entire article by the AP. It is titled “US contractors say their colleagues are firing live ammo as Palestinians seek food in Gaza.” It is long, and yes, there are unsettling images. The photo that will stick with me was given to the AP by an American contractor. Here’s the caption, “This photo, provided by an American contractor on condition of anonymity because they were revealing their employers’ internal operations, shows a woman slumped over in a donkey cart after the contractor said she was hit in the head with part of a stun grenade at a food distribution site in Gaza run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation in June 2025.” 

In late June, CBS reported that there were 50 hostages still in Gaza, and tragically, fewer than 25 were believed to still be alive. Today, PBS reported that roughly 57,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of this war. So many families across Israel and Gaza are in mourning. I think it's essential, as we head into July 4th festivities, for all of us to disentangle ourselves from hyperpartisan politics and just think critically about what our government is funding and who is helped or harmed by our collective tax dollars. That's the least we can all do as we honor the founding of our nation. 

Thank you for listening to The Friday Brief. We are now on daily, so make sure you and your friends don’t miss an episode! Check out thefridaybrief.com, and follow The Friday Brief on Instagram and TikTok. Until next time, I’m Phoenix Ricks signing off from Washington, DC. Let’s work together for a world of good.