Humanitarian Group in Gaza Says 5 Aid Workers Dead After Hamas Attack
The US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) said Wednesday night that at least five of its Palestinian aid workers were killed when Hamas fighters attacked their bus. Others were injured and some may have been taken hostage, the group said.
“These were aid workers. Humanitarians. Fathers, brothers, sons and friends, who were risking their lives every day to help others,” the foundation said. It vowed to continue providing aid despite the mounting dangers.
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Hamas has denied responsibility for the attack and accused the foundation of serving as a tool of the Israeli military. On social media, Hamas-linked accounts claimed the group had targeted members of the Abu Shabab clan, which has received arms from Israel in an attempt to bring down Hamas, but the clan denied any connection.
GHF, which launched operations on May 26 after months of a near-total blockade on Gaza, has faced heavy criticism from the United Nations and major humanitarian organizations. Critics argue that its ties to the Israeli government compromise its neutrality and put civilians at risk. The UN and aid agencies have refused to cooperate with the foundation, citing concerns over its independence and operational model.
Hamas-linked health authorities in Gaza have reported numerous attacks on Palestinians attempting to access aid at GHF distribution sites, claiming that dozens have been killed in such attacks in the weeks since GHF started operating. GHF and Israel have denied these claims, with Israel saying its soldiers have fired occasional warning shots at figures approaching outside of the approved routes.
