Eight Palestinian aid workers lost their lives and several others were injured when a bus they were traveling in was ambushed by Hamas militants in central Gaza, according to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an organization supported by both the U.S. and Israel. The attack occurred around 10 p.m. local time as the vehicle was en route to an aid distribution center near Khan Younis. GHF has raised concerns that Hamas may have taken some passengers hostage in the incident, though the militant group has not yet responded to these allegations.
In a statement, GHF strongly condemned the attack, characterizing it as “heinous and deliberate.” The foundation noted that Hamas had recently issued threats against both their aid workers and the civilians reliant on their services. John Acree, the interim executive director of GHF, reiterated their commitment to continue food deliveries despite the tragedy.
Founded in Switzerland, GHF began operations in Gaza in late May after a 13-week blockade by Israel. The organization has been distributing aid from centers located in the central and southern regions of Gaza, which have seen surges in civilian demand. Israeli military sources stated that, in recent weeks, they have opened fire on Palestinians approaching these centers, citing security concerns.
On Thursday alone, GHF announced it had distributed over 2.6 million meals through three different centers across the Gaza Strip. However, local residents have voiced frustration over the haphazard distribution process, arguing that it lacks sufficient beneficiary data to ensure fair access to food supplies. Notably, traditional relief organizations, including U.N. agencies, have refused to collaborate with GHF, accusing the organization of lacking alignment with established humanitarian principles.
According to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, recent violence has escalated, with 57 individuals reported dead in areas near the distribution sites on Wednesday. This adds to a growing death toll in the region, which now stands at 224 fatalities linked to similar incidents. The ongoing conflict ignited on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel that resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths, triggering a war in Gaza that has now dragged on for nearly twenty months. The toll on Palestinians has been devastating, with more than 55,000 reported killed, according to health officials in Gaza.
As the conflict continues, over two million residents in Gaza face dire circumstances, many of whom were already dependent on aid prior to the outbreak of hostilities. Israel’s controversial decision to isolate U.N. agencies from distribution operations, based on claims of their proximity to Hamas-designated a terrorist organization by the U.S.—has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.
Despite the tragic attack on its workers, GHF remains steadfast in its mission to provide aid, having reportedly delivered more than 10 million meals over the past few weeks, as highlighted by the Israeli military on social media. As the situation in Gaza evolves, the foundation underscored its commitment to aiding those in need, even amidst mounting dangers.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/us-news/gaza-aid-foundation-says-eight-workers-killed-by-hamas-11749764337422.html
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Publish Date: 2025-06-13 03:08:00
