Palestinian Gunmen Kill Aid Worker in Gaza

Latest Developments

Palestinian gunmen killed aid worker Islam Hijazy in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis on September 26. Hijazy, a mother of two small children, was a program manager for Heal Palestine, a U.S.-based nonprofit that provides aid and support to Palestinians. Heal Palestine announced Hijazy’s slaying on X.

According to one account of the incident, Hamas set up an ambush for a man wanted by the terrorist group who drove a car similar to Hijazy’s, but mistakenly killed the aid worker. Momen el-Faram, Hijazy’s husband, posted a statement on Facebook indicating that officials from the Hamas-run government in Gaza notified him that she was not the intended target of the ambush. Hijazi’s family released a statement questioning the officials’ explanation: “How would an innocent soul be wasted and 90 bullets fired at her car just for mistaken identification?”

Expert Analysis

“Significant questions need to be credibly answered about why Ms. Hijazy was brutally killed, likely by Hamas terrorists. Along with these questions, what is apparent and demands congressional investigation is that Hamas reportedly has stolen an estimated half a billion dollars in humanitarian aid donated by the United States and the international community meant for Palestinians. Before his death, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh’s net worth was estimated to be $4 billion, with significant funds coming from aid and kickbacks, according to Yahoo. This happened while Gazans bear the brunt of their leaders’ rampant theft of their aid.” — Toby Dershowitz, Managing Director of FDD Action

“Hamas is a danger to Israelis and Palestinians alike. The murder of an aid worker, likely by Hamas, is just the latest example of the terrorist group’s brutality. Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, and beyond will never be safe until Hamas is dismantled.” — David May, FDD Research Manager and Senior Research Analyst

Hamas Attacks on Palestinians in Gaza

Hamas has cracked down on dissent among Palestinians in Gaza since it seized the territory in 2007. Throughout the current war, Hamas has stifled dissent through threats, intimidation, and violence. The terrorist group has also reportedly stolen millions of dollars from banks in Gaza. In March, Hamas executed the leader of the Doghmush clan in northern Gaza after allegations that he had collaborated with Israel. Also in March, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released a video of Hamas firing on civilians who were waiting for aid. On July 5, the IDF posted footage obtained from Gaza of Hamas beating civilians who were seeking food.

Related Analysis

“Losing control of Gaza: Hamas cracks down on civilians with more intensity – analysis,” by Seth J. Frantzman

“Hamas Critic Badly Beaten in Gaza by Masked Men,” FDD Flash Brief

“Hamas Stole Millions From Gaza Bank, Internal Document Reveals,” FDD Flash Brief