US Aid Workers Injured in Attack in Gaza

US aid workers were wounded in an attack, according to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The GHF has been distributing aid in southern and central Gaza since May, with criticism for making people walk through combat zones.

The injured US workers are in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. The GHF stated that no other aid workers or civilians were harmed in the attack, which was carried out by two militants throwing grenades at an aid center in Khan Younis. The GHF blamed Hamas for the incident.

The GHF, an aid operation supported by Israel and the US, reported that two of its workers were injured while providing relief in Gaza. The GHF has faced challenges, with Israeli forces reportedly killing over 400 Palestinians attempting to collect food aid, as claimed by the UN and local doctors. Israel maintains that the new distribution system prevents aid from reaching Hamas.

The attack occurred amidst indications from Hamas about willingness to engage in ceasefire talks with Israel. The GHF described the incident as happening after a successful distribution where thousands of Gazans safely received food. The organization had previously warned about threats from Hamas targeting American personnel, Palestinian aid workers, and civilians.

While Hamas has not responded to the incident, Gaza's civil defense agency reported 32 Palestinian casualties from Israeli military operations on the same day. Hamas had expressed readiness for further discussions on a ceasefire proposal from the US, which reportedly includes the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

Hamas seeks amendments to the ceasefire draft, including a US guarantee against hostilities resuming post-ceasefire. Additionally, Hamas wants the GHF to be dissolved, advocating for aid distribution solely by the UN and its partners. Israel has rejected these demands previously.

Notably, there are still 50 hostages in Gaza, with at least 20 believed to be alive. Gaza's health ministry disclosed that at least 70 people were killed by Israeli forces in the past 24 hours, contributing to a total death toll of 57,338 in Gaza during the conflict with Hamas. Israel initiated its military campaign in response to Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, resulting in numerous casualties and hostages.

According to the source: BBC.