US Aid Workers Injured in Gaza Attack Amid Ongoing Conflict

The situation in Gaza escalates as the foundation faces criticism for its operations, while discussions of a ceasefire continue.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which operates with backing from Israel and the US, reported that two of its aid workers were injured during an attack in Khan Younis. The organization stated that two militants launched grenades at the aid distribution center, attributing responsibility for the attack to Hamas. Fortunately, the US workers are currently in stable condition and receiving the necessary medical care. No other aid workers or civilians were reported injured during the incident.

Established in May, the GHF has been providing aid from various locations in southern and central Gaza but has faced widespread criticism regarding the risks associated with its operations. Critics point out that aid distribution necessitates large groups of people walking through active conflict zones, heightening their vulnerability. Since the inception of the GHF's efforts, over 400 Palestinians reportedly lost their lives while attempting to access food aid, as claimed by the UN and local medical authorities. In response, Israel argues that the new distribution framework aims to prevent aid from reaching Hamas.

This incident occurs against a backdrop of tentative ceasefire negotiations, as Hamas has expressed readiness to discuss peace terms with Israel. According to GHF, the attack transpired after an otherwise successful aid distribution, during which thousands of Gazans received essential food supplies. The organization has previously issued warnings regarding "credible threats" from Hamas targeting American personnel and Palestinian aid workers. Hamas has yet to release a statement regarding the attack.

In other developments, Gaza's civil defense agency reported that Saturday alone saw 32 Palestinians killed by Israeli military operations. Just the day before, Hamas signaled its willingness to engage in further discussions about a ceasefire agreement proposed by the US, believed to involve a phased release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Reports indicate that Hamas is seeking modifications to the ceasefire proposal, including US assurances to prevent the resumption of hostilities after the ceasefire ends and a demand for the GHF to be dissolved to allow the UN and its partners to manage aid distribution.

Currently, around 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with reports suggesting that at least 20 of them are alive. According to Gaza's health ministry, recent Israeli operations have raised the total death toll in the area to at least 57,338 due to the ongoing conflict that erupted following a series of Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken.