Tragic Attack: Suspected Hamas Strike on Aid Workers - Eight Lives Lost in Gaza Strip
Deadly assault by Hamas on humanitarian group results in loss of five lives
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In the Gaza Strip, at least eight employees of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) have reportedly lost their lives in an attack by the Islamic Hamas. The foundation is based in Washington, D.C., and has been assisting the needy population in the Palestinian territory since May 2025.
According to the GHF, the attack took place as their workers were traveling on a bus around 22:00 local time (21:00 CEST) on Wednesday, June 12, 2025. The employees were allegedly on their way to the GHF distribution center in the area west of Khan Yunis when their bus was ambushed.
The GHF announced, "We condemn this heinous and deliberate attack in the strongest possible terms. They were employees of aid organizations. Humanitarian helpers. Fathers, brothers, sons, and friends who risked their lives every day to help others." All passengers on the bus were Palestinians and workers of aid organizations.
The attack on the GHF staff comes amid a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where aid organizations face significant operational and security challenges. This, unfortunately, is not the first instance of violence against aid workers in the region.
Since its inception in late May 2025, the GHF has distributed over 18.6 million meals through more than 316,000 boxes to civilians in need. The organization’s deployment was preceded by a three-month blockade of aid deliveries to the Palestinian territory by Israel.
In the wake of this tragedy, the GHF expressed its commitment to continue serving the civilian population, despite heightened risks. This unfortunate event has raised concerns about the safety of aid workers and the broader implications for humanitarian access in Gaza.
Sources: ntv.de, ino/AFP
- Gaza Strip
- Israel
- Hamas
Additional Insights
- The attack on the GHF by Hamas constitutes a grave assault on humanitarian operations and underscores the hazardous working conditions for aid workers in the Gaza Strip.
- The GHF team was traveling at the time of the attack to continue their humanitarian relief efforts in Rafah's Tel al-Sultan, the nearby Saudi neighborhood, and Wadi Gaza in the central Strip.
- The casualties include at least eight GHF staff members, with multiple injuries, and a possibility of some hostage situations. The initial reports suggested five fatalities, but the actual number has since been confirmed as eight according to the interim executive director of the GHF.
- The perpetrator of the attack was the Hamas Sahm police unit, according to the GHF and international reports. Hamas claimed the attack was part of efforts to combat looting. However, these claims were disputed by Abu Shabab officials and could not be independently verified.
- The GHF has faced criticism for aligning with Israeli army plans and being accused of infiltration by UN organizations like the decades-long Palestinian aid organization UNRWA. On the other hand, Israel has accused UN organizations of being infiltrated by Hamas.
- Looting
- Abu Shabab
- UNRWA
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft resolution regarding the recent attack on the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in the Gaza Strip. This tragic event, carried out by the Hamas, serves as a stark reminder of the politics surrounding general-news issues like crime-and-justice, particularly in areas of conflict.
