Tensions Rise as Violence Erupts at Controversial Aid Sites in Khan Younis
Gaza Humanitarian Foundation workers came under attack late Wednesday, with five Palestinians killed in an alleged Hamas strike on their aid convoy in southern Gaza, according to the U.S.- and Israeli-backed group. The incident, which also injured several and left others potentially kidnapped, occurred around 10 p.m. local time west of Khan Younis.
“Despite this heinous attack, we will continue our mission to provide critical aid to the people of Gaza,” GHF stated.
Hamas has not issued a response, and NBC News has not independently verified the allegations.
Growing Violence Around Aid Zones
Nearly 40 other Palestinians were reportedly killed around GHF aid sites on the same day. Gaza’s health ministry, run by Hamas, claimed 39 civilians were shot while trying to collect food. The ministry says over 200 have died and 1,500 have been wounded in similar incidents since GHF operations began.
U.N. agencies, including UNRWA, have sharply criticized GHF’s methods, calling them “a distraction from the ongoing atrocities and a waste of resources.”
GHF’s Controversial Role
Since Israel loosened its total blockade in mid-May, GHF has been one of the few organizations allowed to distribute humanitarian aid. This has sparked questions about the group’s independence and its alignment with Israeli and U.S. interests.
Executive chairman Johnnie Moore, an evangelical and former Trump adviser, refused to disclose GHF’s funding sources. He emphasized that the foundation’s only goal is to “feed Gazans.”
International Pressure Builds
The U.N. has urged Israel to facilitate humanitarian access, with deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq stating that Israel must “agree to humanitarian relief and facilitate it by all the means at its disposal.”
The U.N. General Assembly is expected to vote Thursday on a ceasefire resolution that includes demands for the release of hostages and the opening of all border crossings. A similar U.N. Security Council resolution failed last week due to a U.S. veto.
War Continues, Hostage Crisis Deepens
Since Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel, over 55,000 Palestinians have reportedly died in Israel’s retaliatory campaign. Hamas still holds 53 hostages, though fewer than half are believed to be alive.
On Wednesday, Israeli forces announced the recovery of two bodies of hostages in Gaza.
U.S.-Iran Talks Loom Amid Escalating Regional Tensions
Meanwhile, tensions are escalating between Israel and Iran, with Israel reportedly considering a strike in the coming days. Trump administration officials are holding the sixth round of nuclear talks with Iran in Muscat, Oman, on Sunday.
Source: NBC News
