U.S.-supported organization reports Hamas has killed five of its Palestinian employees in Gaza.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), backed by the U.S. and Israel, made serious allegations against Hamas on Wednesday, claiming that at least five of its Palestinian employees were killed during an attack. This incident took place in the Gaza Strip, where nearly 40 other Palestinians also lost their lives near GHF aid distribution sites. The foundation revealed that more than two dozen employees were en route to a distribution center near Khan Younis when they were reportedly targeted by Hamas around 10 p.m. local time. In their statement, GHF expressed concerns that some of their team members may have been taken hostage.

Despite the violence, the organization affirmed its commitment to providing critical aid to the Gaza population. Hamas has yet to respond to these allegations, and NBC News has been unable to independently verify the claims made by GHF. GHF has been under scrutiny, especially in light of threats it reported receiving from Hamas. The organization began distributing aid after Israel eased a blockade on supplies entering Gaza, which followed urgent calls for assistance from international bodies.

However, there are concerns regarding GHF’s independence given its backing from Israel and the U.S., complicating its operational legitimacy. Amidst these allegations and the reported violence, the United Nations raised alarms over humanitarian access in Gaza. U.N. officials criticized GHF’s model, stating that it endangers lives and wastes resources. Furthermore, the U.N. General Assembly is anticipated to vote on a resolution demanding a ceasefire and the reopening of border crossings to facilitate essential aid delivery.

The ongoing conflict, exacerbated by the recent escalation between Israel and Hamas since October 7, continues to claim lives on both sides, raising urgent concerns about humanitarian conditions in the region.