Gaza Aid Group Says Hamas Attacked Its Palestinian Workers
An aid group in Gaza backed by Israel and the United States said that on Wednesday night a bus carrying some of its Palestinian workers was attacked by Hamas, leaving at least five people dead and others injured.
At the time of the attack, the bus was carrying about two dozen of the group's workers and was en route to an aid distribution site in southern Gaza, according to a statement from the group, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Some of the workers 'may have been taken hostage,' it said, adding that it was still gathering information.
'We condemn this heinous and deliberate attack in the strongest possible terms,' said the foundation, which is run by American contractors. 'These were aid workers. Humanitarians. Fathers, brothers, sons, and friends, who were risking their lives every day to help others.'
The New York Times could not independently verify the attack. Hamas did not comment on the accusation that it had attacked workers from the group, and the Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The foundation said it held the militant group 'fully responsible' for the deaths of 'dedicated workers who have been distributing humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people.' The group called on the international community to condemn Hamas for the attack.
'Tonight, the world must see this for what it is: an attack on humanity,' it said.
The aid organization has repeatedly criticized Hamas, saying that for days it had 'openly' threatened workers and civilians. On Saturday, the foundation said it was 'impossible to proceed' with aid distribution because Hamas had menaced its staff.
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