The US and Israeli-backed aid organization in Gaza, GHF, has accused Hamas of carrying out a deadly attack on a bus carrying Palestinians working with them.
According to GHF, at least five aid workers were killed and it is feared that some members might have been taken hostage.
Multiple people were also injured in the alleged attack.
In a statement, GHF said the bus, carrying over two dozen employees, was targeted at 10 pm local time on Wednesday while en route to one of their distribution centers.
These employees were “local Palestinians” helping GHF to “deliver critical aid”, mentioned the organization.
“Our team was struck while on its way to one of our distribution centers in the area west of Khan Younis”, added GHF.
“We are still gathering facts, but what we know is heartbreaking: five employees were confirmed dead, various injuries, and some members might have been taken hostage”, they stated.
“These were not just employees, they were aid workers”.
The organization highlighted that in recent days, Hamas had threatened members of the NGO, including workers and civilians who receive the aid.
GHF blames Hamas for “the loss of our dedicated team members who were distributing humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the foundation’s central and southern Gaza centers”.
“This assault on humanity is what this truly is. We demand the international community to swiftly denounce Hamas for this unprovoked attack and the ongoing threats against our people trying to provide sustenance to Palestinians”, GHF stated.
“Additional details will be released as they become available. Despite this vicious attack, we will continue our mission to deliver critical aid to the people of Gaza.”
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This alleged attack happened only hours after it was reported that Israeli gunfire had killed at least 25 Palestinians at a GHF location close to the former Netzarim settlement, near Gaza City.
According to medical sources, the fatalities occurred when the victims approached the site.
Gaza health officials noted that about 160 people have died in shootings near GHF-run aid spots since the distribution began on May 26.
However, the GHF insists that there has been no violence directly at their distribution centers.
Why is the aid process contentious?
The Israeli and US governments claim the intentions of the GHF are to prevent Hamas from misdirecting the aid.
Israel hasn’t presented evidence of systematic siphoning, and the UN refutes such claims.
Distribution chaos has spotted reports, with several witnesses recounting Israeli troops firing on crowds near distribution sites.
