A bus carrying over two dozen Palestinians was reportedly viciously attacked while en route to a food distribution center, according to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
A bus carrying more than two dozen Palestinians associated with the organization was “brutally attacked” while on its way to a distribution center southwest of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, according to a statement released by the foundation on Wednesday night.
Although the organization is still gathering information, they confirm that “at least” five people were killed and there are “multiple injuries”, with concerns that some staff may have been kidnapped.
We strongly condemn this heinous and intentional attack. These were aid workers, humanitarians, brothers, sons, and friends who were putting their lives on the line to help others, the foundation stated.
Our hearts are shattered, and our thoughts and prayers are with every victim, their families, and every unaccounted individual.
Hamas, which governs Gaza, has not yet commented on the allegations.
Earlier in the week, Hamas denied threatening the foundation after the organization accused them of making “direct threats” against their operations.
The aid organization has faced strong criticism from the UN and rights groups for allegedly failing to meet basic humanitarian standards.
Israeli forces have carried out numerous attacks on Palestinians near the foundation’s distribution sites in Rafah and the Netzarim Corridor, resulting in over 220 deaths since the group began operations on May 27, according to health authorities in Gaza.
In its statement, the foundation claimed that the attack did not occur in isolation. “For days, Hamas has openly threatened our team, our aid workers, and the civilians who receive aid from us. These threats were met with silence,” the statement read.
“Tonight, the world must see this for what it is: an attack on humanity,” the foundation added. “We urge the international community to immediately condemn Hamas for this unprovoked attack and their ongoing threats against our people, who are simply trying to provide aid to the Palestinian people.”
