Representative Image (Photo: NYT)
Two American aid workers were injured on Saturday in what has been described as a targeted grenade attack on a humanitarian aid centre in southern Gaza, according to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).The foundation, which is backed by the United States and Israel, said the incident occurred during a food distribution drive at one of its centres in Khan Yunis. The attack reportedly took place at the SDS-3 site at the conclusion of an otherwise successful distribution in which thousands of Gazans had safely received food.The two workers, both American, sustained injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
GHF said both employees were in stable condition. The Times of Israel also reported that grenades were thrown at the workers.“This morning, two American aid workers were injured in a targeted terrorist attack during food distribution activities at SDS-3 in Khan Yunis,” the organisation was quoted as saying to news agency AFP. “Reports indicated it was carried out by two assailants who threw two grenades at the Americans.”
The group added that early signs pointed to “hostile action by Hamas,” though investigations are still ongoing. “Early indication is that this was hostile action by Hamas. GHF continues to investigate and will update with more information as it becomes available,” the statement added.GHF said its operations would continue despite the attack. The organisation, which began work in Gaza on 26 May after Israel halted supplies through the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, has been distributing food and essential supplies to civilians amid the ongoing conflict.Operations have frequently been marred by chaotic scenes and near-daily reports of Israeli forces firing on people waiting to collect rations. The United Nations estimates that more than 500 people have been killed while queuing for aid in recent months. The Israeli military has blamed Hamas for such incidents.GHF noted it had issued multiple warnings about credible threats from Hamas. “Today’s attack tragically affirms those warnings,” the foundation said.
