Israel has accused Hamas militants of killing five Palestinians working for the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, Reuters reported, reports News.bg.
According to Israeli sources, this is another attempt by Hamas to obstruct the distribution of vital humanitarian aid to the enclave.
The foundation said one of its buses was ambushed late on Sunday while traveling to an aid station near the city of Khan Yunis. The vehicle was carrying local workers working with a US team to deliver critical food and medicines.
“Hamas killed five aid workers from the foundation and others were kidnapped“, said the Israeli military coordination agency COGAT, which is responsible for humanitarian issues with the Palestinian side. It added: “The international community cannot ignore the crimes of 'Hamas' against aid workers.“
Meanwhile, social media in Gaza reported that the attack may have been directed against alleged links to Yasser Abu Shabab - the leader of an influential clan that opposes “Hamas“ rule and is armed with the help of Israel.
Elsewhere in Gaza, local health authorities reported that at least 30 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes and clashes with military forces today.
Israeli Defense Forces forces reported that they had neutralized three militants who fired an anti-tank missile at Israeli soldiers, as well as having detained several members of “Hamas“ in Syria, suspected of planning attacks on civilian and military targets.
Israel has been waging an offensive against “Hamas“ for more than 20 months, following the bloody attacks on October 7, 2023, which ignited the large-scale military conflict. All attempts to end the fighting through negotiations so far have failed.
Despite the attack on the bus, the Humanitarian Foundation for Gaza announced that it would continue its efforts to deliver aid to the affected areas.