After months of viral accusations blaming Israel for the death of an 8-year-old Gazan boy, the child has been found alive in a daring rescue led by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, exposing how misinformation nearly fueled a global scandal.
The tragic story of eight-year-old Abdul Rahim Muhammad Hamden — known as Abboud — has taken a stunning turn.
Once reported to have been killed by IDF fire in May, Abboud has been confirmed alive and safe following a complex covert rescue by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
The claim of his death went viral after former GHF contractor Tony Aguilar alleged that the boy — whom he called “Amir” — was fatally shot outside a GHF aid site on May 28. His account, bolstered by bodycam footage and amplified on social media, was cited even by members of the U.S. Congress.
But weeks of investigation revealed the opposite. On August 23, Abboud and his mother Najlaa reappeared at a GHF secure distribution site, from where they were quietly extracted to safety. Facial recognition, biometric analysis, and eyewitness confirmation proved that the boy seen alive was the same one Aguilar had claimed was killed.
“We are overjoyed and deeply relieved that Aboud is safe,” said Rev. Johnnie Moore, GHF’s Executive Chair. “This outcome was never guaranteed… too many people, including in the press, spread unverified claims. When a child’s life is at stake, facts must matter more than headlines.”
Fox News and The Daily Wire independently confirmed Abboud’s survival and obtained footage of him smiling and interacting with GHF staff.
The investigation also uncovered contradictions in Aguilar’s story: he alternately claimed the shooting happened near three different aid sites, despite restrictions that would have made his presence at any of them impossible. GHF confirmed no IDF fire was recorded at its secure locations on May 28. Aguilar, fired in June for poor performance and erratic behavior, has continued pushing his version despite mounting evidence.
Abboud’s mother Najlaa expressed gratitude: “My son and I suffered a lot. But we thank God. I thank everyone who helped me and stood by me.”
For GHF, the case underscores the stakes of misinformation in war zones. The foundation continues its humanitarian operations in Gaza but warns that unchecked viral claims can distort reality, inflame tensions, and put lives at risk.
