A deadly attack on aid workers in southern Gaza has drawn sharp condemnation from a US- and Israel-backed relief group, which accused Hamas of targeting its Palestinian staff as they travelled to distribute humanitarian aid, reports the New York Times. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which began operating in late May, said a bus carrying around two dozen of its workers came under fire on Wednesday night. At least five people were reportedly killed and others wounded, with some possibly taken hostage.“We condemn this heinous and deliberate attack in the strongest possible terms,” the group said in a statement. “These were aid workers. Humanitarians. Fathers, brothers, sons, and friends, who were risking their lives every day to help others.”

The group is run by American contractors but is backed by Israeli authorities. It said it held Hamas “fully responsible” for the killing of its “dedicated workers who have been distributing humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people.” It urged the international community to speak out against the assault. “Tonight, the world must see this for what it is: an attack on humanity,” the foundation added.The GHF has previously accused Hamas of threatening its staff and obstructing aid delivery. On Saturday, it reported that it was “impossible to proceed” with its distribution because of Hamas interference. In turn, Hamas has rejected the accusations and questioned the group’s neutrality, calling the foundation “nothing more than a propaganda front for the Israeli occupation army.”Violence near aid sites has also been reported. Earlier on Wednesday, shootings in central Gaza left several dead and dozens injured, according to health officials and emergency workers. The incidents occurred near a distribution centre run by the GHF. The Israeli military said it had fired warning shots at potential threats before dawn but denied daytime fire on civilians.The Palestine Red Crescent Society blamed Israeli gunfire for some of the casualties. “Most victims had injuries from shell fragments, although some also had bullet wounds,” said spokesperson Nebal Farsakh. The actual death toll remains unclear.GHF said its centre was closed at the time of the early morning shooting and it could not confirm what had occurred, but it did reopen later that day. The organisation has asked the media not to confuse its operations with military activity. “Do not confuse the public by reporting on GHF operations in the same breath as Israeli military operations far removed from distribution sites,” it said.The group’s origins have added to the controversy. GHF’s close association with Israeli authorities has led to criticism from international humanitarian bodies. The United Nations and others have accused Israel of militarising aid distribution and said the foundation undermines the independence expected of humanitarian groups.Israel has long accused Hamas of looting aid meant for civilians. However, the UN says there is no clear evidence of systematic diversion by the militant group. It has instead pointed to broader lawlessness and the impact of Israel’s 80-day aid blockade earlier this year, which led to extreme food shortages and a collapse of basic services.The foundation has vowed to continue working. “Despite this heinous attack, we will continue our mission to provide critical aid to the people of Gaza,” it said.