US Accuses Hamas of Grenade Attack on American Aid Workers in Gaza

Two American aid workers with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation are recovering after being injured in a grenade attack at a food distribution site in Gaza. The United States government has placed the blame squarely on Hamas, calling the assault an example of the group’s disregard for the welfare of civilians who rely on humanitarian aid.

According to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, the attack occurred just as thousands of hungry residents had safely received food supplies. Preliminary reports indicate that two assailants approached the site and threw grenades at the workers before fleeing. The injured Americans are being treated for non-life-threatening wounds and are reported to be in stable condition.

“This act of violence against the people bringing relief to Gazans lays bare the depravity of Hamas,” said United States State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce. She praised the courage of the aid workers, who have helped deliver more than 62 million meals since the organization began its operations in Gaza in May.

Despite the attack and warnings from Hamas authorities not to cooperate with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, the group has vowed to continue its mission. The Foundation has faced criticism for operating outside traditional aid channels such as the United Nations, which has said the organization is neither impartial nor neutral. Even so, it has become one of the main sources of food for desperate families in Gaza after Israel lifted an 11-week aid blockade in May.

The violence highlights the extreme dangers aid workers face while trying to help civilians caught between military operations and political rivalries. According to Gaza health officials, at least 70 people were killed by Israeli strikes in the past 24 hours alone, including 23 near aid distribution sites. The Israeli military did not comment directly on those casualties but said it had killed 100 militants in the past week and now controls about 65% of Gaza.

Efforts to secure a ceasefire remain fragile. Hamas has signaled it is ready to enter new talks, and United States President Donald Trump is expected to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu soon to discuss the next steps.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. Israel’s military offensive, launched after Hamas attacked southern Israel in October 2023, has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The violence has displaced almost the entire population of Gaza and left many struggling to find enough food and water.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation says it will not be deterred. “Nothing will stop these courageous aid workers,” Bruce said. “We are praying for the rapid recovery of the injured Americans and for peace that will allow aid to reach all who need it.”