Grenade Attack on US Aid Workers in Gaza Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

Attack on Gaza Humanitarian Foundation Injures US Aid Workers

In a concerning development amidst the ongoing crisis in Gaza, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has reported that two of its US aid workers were wounded in an attack on Saturday. The organization, backed by both Israel and the US, was distributing relief in Khan Younis when the incident occurred.

According to the GHF, two militants threw grenades at the aid center. The organization has pointed blame at Hamas for the attack. Fortunately, the injured workers are in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. No other aid workers or civilians were harmed, the GHF stated.

The incident unfolded at the conclusion of what the GHF described as "an otherwise successful distribution in which thousands of Gazans safely received food." This attack highlights the extreme dangers faced by those attempting to provide crucial assistance in the region.

The GHF has been operating since May, distributing aid from multiple sites in southern and central Gaza. However, its operations have faced criticism, primarily due to concerns about the safety of civilians forced to navigate conflict zones to receive aid. The UN and local doctors report that Israeli forces have killed over 400 Palestinians trying to collect food aid since the GHF's launch. Israel maintains that the current system prevents aid from falling into Hamas's hands.

This attack occurs against a backdrop of ongoing tensions and ceasefire negotiations. Here's a breakdown of the key developments:

• Hamas indicates willingness for ceasefire talks with Israel.
• The proposed plan involves a staggered release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
• Hamas seeks amendments, including guarantees that hostilities will not resume after the ceasefire.
• Hamas also demands the GHF be scrapped and aid distributed solely by the UN and its partners – a demand Israel has previously rejected.

The situation remains dire in Gaza. Consider these figures:

• 32 Palestinians killed by Israeli military operations on Saturday, according to Gaza's civil defense agency.
• At least 70 people killed by Israeli forces in the last 24 hours, according to Gaza's health ministry.
• Total death toll in Gaza has risen to 57,338 since the start of the war.
• Approximately 50 hostages still held in Gaza, with at least 20 believed to be alive.

The GHF stated it had "repeatedly warned of credible threats from Hamas," including alleged plans to target American personnel, Palestinian aid workers, and civilians. Hamas has not yet commented on the incident.

The BBC understands that Hamas wants US guarantees that hostilities will not resume when the ceasefire ends. Israel has previously rejected demands for the GHF to be scrapped and aid to be distributed by the UN and its partners only.

The war between Israel and Hamas was triggered by the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people in Israel and the taking of 251 hostages.

This latest attack serves as a stark reminder of the extreme volatility and danger that plague the region. The safety of aid workers and civilians must be paramount as efforts continue to find a lasting resolution to the conflict and ensure the delivery of vital humanitarian assistance to those in desperate need. The international community must work together to de-escalate tensions and protect those working to alleviate suffering in Gaza.

Tags: Gaza, Humanitarian aid, US workers, Attack, Khan Younis, GHF, Hamas, Israel, Aid distribution, Ceasefire

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp3kx9pwxwwo