The U.S.- and Israeli-backed GHF described the attack as deliberate and unprovoked. “We are still gathering facts, but what we know is devastating: there are at least five fatalities, multiple injuries, and fear that some of our team members may have been taken hostage,” the organization said.

The GHF has come under repeated threats from Hamas, according to its leadership, particularly over its independent aid delivery model that bypasses Hamas-controlled channels. “This attack did not happen in a vacuum. For days, Hamas has openly threatened our team, our aid workers, and the civilians who receive aid from us. These threats were met with silence,” the organization stated.

Hamas-affiliated social media accounts claimed responsibility for a Wednesday night assault, saying it targeted members of the Abu Shabab clan — a family alleged to have cooperated with Israeli initiatives. However, the Abu Shabab clan itself denied the claim, stating that its members were not involved in the incident and condemning the violence.