Ex-U.S. Officer Details Harrowing War Crimes by Israeli Forces in Gaza

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In a rare and deeply troubling account, a former United States Special Forces officer has come forward with firsthand testimony of what he describes as alleged war crimes committed by Israeli forces in Gaza. Retired Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Aguillera, who was deployed to the region as part of a U.S. security mission, says he witnessed acts of violence that deeply shook him, even after decades of military service.

Speaking publicly for the first time, Aguillera said that Israeli tanks, mortars, and artillery were fired directly at civilian vehicles, including one driven by an unarmed individual. These attacks, he claims, were carried out under the cover of humanitarian food aid operations. The scenes he describes are grim: starving civilians gathering in the hope of aid, only to be met with deadly force.

“In all my years of service, I’ve never seen this level of cruelty,” Aguillera stated. He said the violence he witnessed was not isolated or accidental. Rather, it reflected a pattern of conduct that he believes violates international humanitarian law.

Aguillera’s decision to leave his post in Gaza came after witnessing attacks not only from Israeli forces but also from some of his counterparts. His account comes at a time when Israel’s military campaign in Gaza is under intense global scrutiny. Since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, health authorities in Gaza report that over 59,600 Palestinians have been killed and more than 143,000 wounded.

Multiple humanitarian agencies and rights groups report that civilians queuing for aid—especially at Gaza Humanitarian Foundation sites—have been fired upon, with over 1,000 people reportedly killed while seeking food aid since the scheme began in May 2025. This tactic, they argue, has worsened an already severe famine, with children and the elderly dying not only from hunger but also while attempting to access food and medical aid.

Aguillera’s testimony adds to mounting international calls for credible investigations into alleged war crimes, while global pressure grows for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access across Gaza. Yet peace talks, including those facilitated by the United States, remain stalled, and humanitarian convoys continue to face access restrictions and repeated attacks.

As the humanitarian crisis deepens, Aguillera’s voice serves as a sobering reminder of the human cost of war and the urgent need for justice and compassion in the face of unimaginable suffering.