Aid Workers Killed In Gaza Bus Attack As Communications Blackout Hampers Relief Efforts

 

Multiple aid workers were killed late Wednesday after a bus operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) came under attack in Gaza, according to the U.S.-backed organization. The GHF has accused Hamas of carrying out the assault. Hamas has not yet responded to the allegations.

In a statement, the GHF said a bus carrying more than two dozen of its team members was attacked around 10 p.m. local time while en route to a distribution center near Khan Younis.

“We are still gathering facts, but what we know is devastating: there are at least five fatalities, multiple injuries, and fear that some of our team members may have been taken hostage,” the organization stated.

The group condemned what it described as a “heinous and deliberate attack” and noted that it had received threats from Hamas in the days leading up to the incident.

On Sunday, Hamas media outlets issued warnings that the group would act decisively against any individual or entity seen as collaborating with what it called “enemy plans.” The statement declared that such parties were “legitimate targets for the resistance.”

The GHF, supported by the U.S. and Israel, was established to distribute humanitarian aid in Gaza amid widespread accusations that Hamas has been diverting supplies for profit. However, the foundation has drawn criticism from multiple international humanitarian organizations for its structure and perceived affiliations.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. According to the United Nations and other aid agencies, the combination of Israeli-imposed restrictions on aid routes, ongoing airstrikes, insecurity, and mass displacement is compounding an already catastrophic crisis. Even when aid does reach Gaza, much of it is looted, and only a fraction of what is needed makes it through.

In recent weeks, several Palestinians have been killed near aid distribution points, including incidents reportedly involving gunfire.

Late Wednesday, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) confirmed that it continues to receive reports of casualties near food access points. “No one should be forced to risk their lives to receive aid, as people across Gaza are at risk of famine,” the agency said.

Meanwhile, a near-total telecommunications blackout continues to affect large portions of Gaza, further hindering relief operations. The internet monitoring organization NetBlocks reported that connectivity in Gaza City and northern Gaza has been out for over 24 hours — the longest continuous outage in recent months.

The blackout affects both internet and mobile services, cutting off essential communication channels for aid workers, emergency responders, and civilians.

OCHA warned that the collapse of communication systems poses a “real threat” to humanitarian efforts. “This would cripple life-saving coordination and prevent affected communities from receiving critical information,” the agency said.

New disruptions have also been reported in central and southern Gaza as of Thursday. NetBlocks cautioned that the expanding blackout would likely impair search, rescue, and aid efforts across the region.