Hamas Attacks Humanitarian Bus in Gaza: Five Workers Killed, Others Missing
Incident Overview
A tragic attack took place in Gaza on Wednesday evening around 10:00 PM local time, targeting a bus carrying over 20 Palestinian humanitarian workers employed by the Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF). The bus was en route to a distribution center in the region when it was struck, resulting in the deaths of five workers and injuries to several others. There are concerns that some employees may have been taken hostage.
Claims and Counterclaims
In the aftermath of the incident, Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack, asserting that all the deceased were members of the Abu Shabab militia, which is reportedly armed by Israel. However, representatives from the militia denied this allegation, stating that the deceased were not affiliated with their group.
Statement from GHF
In a formal statement, GHF condemned the “brutal assault” and expressed grief over the loss of life. They confirmed the fatalities and injuries while emphasizing their ongoing efforts to gather information about the situation. GHF noted that the attack was not an isolated incident, highlighting that Hamas had issued open threats against their personnel and the citizens receiving aid.
Response from Abu Shabab
Additionally, the Abu Shabab militia communicated a message to Gaza residents, stating that the blood of their sons working for the American organization had been spilled on the ground of Khan Yunis, identifying six Hamas members involved in the attack.
Humanitarian Concerns
Yasser Abu Shabab, a spokesperson for GHF, condemned the targeted assault, underscoring that the victims were humanitarian aid workers-fathers, brothers, sons, and friends-who risked their lives daily to assist those in need. He highlighted the organization’s heartbreak over the casualties and expressed solidarity with the families of the victims and those missing.
GHF has called upon the international community to promptly denounce Hamas for this unprovoked attack, describing it as an assault on humanity. They indicated their determination to continue providing critical aid to the people of Gaza despite the violence.
Commitment to Aid
In conclusion, GHF reiterated its commitment to its mission of delivering essential humanitarian assistance in the region. They vowed to keep the public updated as more information becomes available regarding the attack.
This incident raises serious questions about the safety of humanitarian operations in conflict zstarts, where workers face increasing risks. The GHF’s appeal for global awareness is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those striving to help the most vulnerable amidst ongoing violence