Hamas Attacks Aid Workers in Gaza
A bus carrying aid workers from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) was attacked by Hamas on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of at least five local Palestinians associated with the organization.
Some members of the GHF may also be taken hostage.
In a statement, GHF reported:
Late tonight, around 10 PM in Gaza, a bus with two or more Gaza Humanitarian Foundation personnel, local Palestinians, and the US GHF team was violently assaulted by Hamas. They were en route to a distribution center west of Khan Yunis when the attack occurred.
We’re still gathering details, but the situation is heartbreaking. We confirm at least five fatalities, several injuries, and some team members may be hostages. This brutal and deliberate attack on humanitarian workers—people who risked their lives daily for their families and community—is unacceptable. Our thoughts and prayers are with all victims and their families.
This incident didn’t happen in isolation. Hamas has been threatening our team and the civilians relying on our aid for several days. Yet, there was little response to these alarming threats.
The GHF holds Hamas fully accountable for the deaths of our devoted workers, who have tirelessly distributed humanitarian aid throughout central and southern Gaza.
Tonight, the world needs to recognize this attack for what it truly is: an assault on humanity. We urge the international community to condemn Hamas for this unprovoked act, which threatens those who are simply trying to provide for the Palestinian people.
Further information will be provided as it becomes available. Despite this horrific incident, we remain committed to our mission of delivering essential support to the people of Gaza.
Hamas opposes the GHF’s efforts, preferring to seize UN aid and manipulate it for control over Gaza’s population.
This story is still developing.
Correction: The initial report erroneously identified the attacked worker as American; they were local Palestinians working with the organization.
