Khan Younis, Gaza – In the makeshift hospital tent of Nasser Hospital, 13-year-old Yazan Musleh lies recovering from severe injuries inflicted during a chaotic scene at an aid distribution point. The young boy’s father, Ihab Musleh, stands close by, visibly shaken after witnessing a tragic dawn on Sunday when Israeli forces opened fire on a crowd seeking essential humanitarian assistance from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a USA-backed initiative aimed at delivering crucial aid.
The family set out early in the morning from their temporary shelter in al-Mawasi, Khan Younis, adhering to a painstaking one-and-a-half-hour walk to the al-Alam Roundabout, where they hoped to receive something to alleviate their hunger. Despite the overwhelming circumstances, Ihab managed to guide his sons to a safer vantage point near the GHF gates, anxious yet hopeful.
Disaster struck when gunfire erupted, and Yazan was tragically struck by a bullet that caused severe internal injuries. The scene turned chaotic as bystanders rushed to assist Yazan, swiftly placing him on a donkey cart to transport him urgently to the hospital while Ihab fought his way through the crowd, dodging ongoing gunfire.
At Nasser Hospital, Ihab’s fears were temporarily alleviated when he learned that Yazan had received emergency surgery. The boy’s injuries require extensive recovery, underscoring the dire need for reliable aid amidst precarious conditions. Ihab and his wife Iman, parents to five children including a seven-month-old daughter, face the relentless strain of providing for their family in the face of adversity. Desperation took hold as Ihab recounted their struggle to secure food in a situation marred by trauma and violence.
Established in early 2025, the GHF aims to act as a neutral humanitarian facilitator but has faced accusations regarding its operations and management. Following the resignation of GHF head Jake Wood and the withdrawal of the Boston Consulting Group over concerns about impartiality, international organizations have raised alarms over the foundation’s methods.
The urgent quest for food has led many, like 40-year-old Mohammed al-Homs, to confront unimaginable dangers. Despite being shot twice while seeking aid, Mohammed’s determination to support his family resonates deeply with others in similar predicaments. Khaled al-Lahham, in a parallel account, also sustained serious injuries during the chaotic distribution, emphasizing the dire threats that families face while trying to secure essential necessities.
The ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis profoundly challenge the resilience of families in Gaza. Despite the hardships faced, the spirit of unity and shared struggle is evident among those in Khan Younis. As they seek support and aid, the need for effective humanitarian mechanisms becomes crucial in addressing the desperate needs of the population.
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