State Department: Hamas Terrorists Attacked GHF Distribution Site
The U.S. condemned a Hamas grenade attack on a Gaza food center that injured two American aid workers. Calling it terrorism, officials stressed rising threats to humanitarian staff. GHF, which has delivered 62M meals, vowed to continue despite the violence and ongoing regional instability.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — The U.S. State Department has condemned a violent attack on a Gaza food distribution center that left two American aid workers injured, describing it as an act of terrorism carried out by Hamas. The incident has raised further concerns about the safety of humanitarian personnel operating in the war-torn enclave.
Tammy Bruce, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, announced the incident on X: “This morning, Hamas terrorists attacked a GHF distribution site, injuring two Americans. This act of violence against the people actually bringing relief to Gazans lays bare the depravity of Hamas. GHF has contributed over 62 MILLION MEALS - nothing will stop these courageous aid workers. We are praying for the rapid recovery of the injured Americans.”
This morning, Hamas terrorists attacked a GHF distribution site, injuring two Americans. This act of violence against the people actually bringing relief to Gazans lays bare the depravity of Hamas. GHF has contributed over 62 MILLION MEALS - nothing will stop these courageous aid…
— Tammy Bruce (@statedeptspox) July 5, 2025
According to the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), the two Americans were wounded Saturday in a “targeted terrorist attack” at its SDS-3 food distribution site in Khan Yunis. The attack occurred during the conclusion of an operation that had delivered vital food supplies to thousands of residents. Citing AFP, the organization stated that two assailants threw grenades at the American aid workers. Both victims are currently in stable condition.
The Israeli military confirmed its role in evacuating the injured individuals from the scene. A spokesperson did not release further details about the perpetrators, but officials indicated that the matter is under ongoing investigation.
The GHF launched its operations on May 26 in response to a growing humanitarian emergency in Gaza, which was exacerbated by Israel’s two-month-long suspension of aid deliveries. That suspension had drawn repeated warnings from international agencies about the risk of famine and widespread civilian suffering.
GHF, a private initiative backed by both Washington and Jerusalem, has since distributed more than 62 million meals, playing a critical role in addressing food insecurity across the region. In its statement following Saturday’s attack, the organization emphasized the increasingly perilous conditions its staff face.
“GHF has repeatedly warned of credible threats from Hamas, including explicit plans to target American personnel, Palestinian aid workers, and the civilians who rely on our sites for food,” the organization said. “Today’s attack tragically affirms those warnings.”
The strike further highlights the hazardous conditions under which international and local humanitarian workers operate in Gaza, where logistics and security challenges continue to jeopardize life-saving aid delivery. Despite the violence, the GHF has reaffirmed its commitment to continue operations, declaring that its staff “will not be deterred by terrorism.”
As regional tensions persist and ceasefire negotiations remain fragile, the safety of humanitarian operations has become an urgent issue for international diplomacy, prompting renewed calls for all parties to ensure the protection of aid workers in compliance with international humanitarian law.
