On Friday morning, Mohamed Bassila, Baha Al-Madhoun, and Moaz Ayad, members of Gaza’s humanitarian aid security teams, gathered near the Behloul junction in Gaza City. Their mission was to protect aid trucks and ensure supplies reached those in dire need amidst the escalating humanitarian crisis.

By midday, Israeli warplanes struck, killing all three instantly and injuring several civilians. This attack, like many others, was not random. The deliberate targeting of aid security teams by the IDF appears to be part of a calculated strategy to spread chaos and obstruct the delivery of essential humanitarian aid.

The government’s media office reported that the number of aid security team members killed has risen to 736 since the escalation began. It accused the occupation of intentionally targeting those working to alleviate the suffering in Gaza as part of a broader plan to create a security and administrative vacuum, worsening the plight of the besieged population.

Despite the immense risks, many continue their work. One member of the security teams, using the pseudonym "Mohamed," described the courage of his comrades who have been martyred. "They loved life but knew their mission was greater than themselves. We work knowing the risks because we cannot abandon our people."

Another team member, "Mahmoud," shared his own survival of multiple attacks. "The occupation targets us to spread chaos, but we won’t let them succeed. Our people’s awareness of their intentions strengthens our resolve." He described the worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where residents face severe shortages of food and medicine. These conditions are part of what he called a collective punishment policy by the occupation, targeting Palestinians for their steadfastness and refusal to be displaced.

The ongoing targeting of aid security teams, combined with the destruction of infrastructure and displacement of civilians, is seen as part of the Israeli occupation’s broader strategy to break the Palestinian spirit. Yet, amidst war, famine, and relentless attacks, the people of Gaza remain determined to resist.