**US-Backed Aid Group Accuses Hamas of Killing Eight Palestinian Staff in Bus Attack**
A US-backed aid group, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), has made a shocking claim that Hamas killed eight of its Palestinian staff members in a bus attack. The incident is said to have taken place on Wednesday night, as the employees were traveling between their homes and work centers in Gaza.
According to the GHF, the attack was not an isolated incident, but rather part of a larger pattern of intimidation and violence by Hamas against aid workers and civilians trying to access humanitarian assistance. The group’s interim director, John Acree, described the situation as “deliberate” and “heinous”, saying that Hamas had made threats for days prior to the attack.
**Confirming the Claim**
While the BBC cannot independently confirm the claim, the Israeli military did acknowledge the incident, albeit in a limited capacity. However, Hamas has yet to comment on the allegations, with the group’s health ministry instead focusing on its own reporting of casualties and injuries related to aid distribution efforts.
In recent days, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reported 103 Palestinian deaths and over 2,000 injuries while attempting to reach designated areas for aid delivery. The GHF claims that this is a result of Hamas’s attempts to sabotage their operations, but the UN disputes this assertion, stating that such incidents are not common.
**Consequences of the Conflict**
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has had devastating consequences on infrastructure, with roads, water supply, and power severely impacted. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported disruptions to emergency response efforts due to communication breakdowns between staff members.
In October 2023, a Hamas attack on southern Israel sparked the Israeli military’s campaign against the group, resulting in over 1,200 casualties and 251 hostages taken. This has led to accusations of retaliation from both sides, further exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.
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