Gazan Boy Found Alive, Debunking Viral Death Lie

An eight-year-old child from Gaza, who had been reported dead in late May after an alleged Israeli strike, has now been confirmed alive following a highly complicated rescue mission overseen by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The announcement, confirmed by Fox News and The Daily Wire, ends weeks of global speculation about his fate, after the case became a flashpoint for debate and outrage around the world.

The boy, whose name is Abdul Rahim Muhammad Hamden but who is more commonly called Abboud, became the centerpiece of a dramatic story advanced by Tony Aguilar, a former GHF contractor. Aguilar claimed the boy—whom he referred to as “Amir”—was killed on May 28 outside a GHF aid hub by IDF fire. He circulated bodycam video along with a vivid and emotional story, which quickly spread across social media and was even raised by members of the U.S. Congress.

After weeks of investigation, GHF discovered that Abboud was in fact alive and with his mother, Najlaa. On August 23, the two turned up at GHF’s Secure Distribution Site 3. From there, they were escorted to safety and taken out of Gaza to an undisclosed location. “Outside the Gaza Strip is nice,” Abboud remarked during an interview that Fox News later confirmed as authentic.

To ensure accuracy, GHF used both facial recognition tools and biometric data, comparing new images of Abboud with those from the original May 28 distribution center incident. This confirmed that the child Aguilar filmed was indeed Abboud. Video published by Fox News Digital also showed the boy smiling and playing with aid workers, further validating his safety.

Additional reporting from The Daily Wire revealed that Abboud had left the custody of his stepmother in July and had been living in secrecy with his biological mother ever since. GHF staff, made up of military veterans and local personnel, conducted a covert operation to track him down and remove him from dangerous circumstances.

Rev. Johnnie Moore, who serves as Executive Chair of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, issued a statement underscoring the significance of the development: “We are overjoyed and deeply relieved that Aboud is safe, and that this story ends in hope. That outcome was never guaranteed, and it’s thanks to the courage and persistence of our team of American heroes, veterans who never stopped working to find him and bring him to safety in the most complex environment imaginable. While this story ends happily, it could have ended in tragedy.”

Moore also faulted those who rushed to amplify Aguilar’s story without confirming details. “Too many people, including in the press and civil society, were quick to spread unverified claims without asking the most basic questions. When a child’s life is at stake, facts must matter more than headlines.”

GHF spokesperson Chapin Fay told Fox News Digital and The Daily Wire that Abboud and his mother are now in a secure location. “We will not be disclosing their whereabouts at this time for their safety and security, but we have every belief that they are on their way to a new life,” he said.

Najlaa, speaking for the first time since their escape, shared her appreciation: “My son and I suffered a lot. But we thank God. I thank everyone who helped me and stood by me.”

Aguilar had initially alleged that Abboud was fatally shot after thanking him for food. But Fox News and The Daily Wire later uncovered numerous contradictions in his accounts. Aguilar shifted his story multiple times, claiming at various points that the event occurred near SDS 1, SDS 2, and SDS 3. GHF later clarified that Aguilar’s role would not have allowed him access to the places or views he claimed, due to site restrictions and barriers.

The group also said that no incident of IDF fire on civilians took place at any GHF secure facility on May 28. Aguilar, who was dismissed in June for what GHF described as poor job performance and erratic conduct, has nonetheless persisted in retelling his version of events.

GHF concluded its statement by urging the media to exercise greater responsibility in handling sensitive stories and highlighted the dangers of amplifying misinformation. The foundation reaffirmed its commitment to delivering aid in Gaza and to continuing its humanitarian mission despite the challenges.

{Matzav.com Israel}