Boy Previously Reported Dead in Gaza Found Alive
A young boy from Gaza, previously believed to have been killed, has been found alive. The child, known by the name “Amir,” was located with his mother after an extensive search by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
The boy, whose full name is Abdul Rahim Muhammad Hamden, also goes by Abboud. He is currently 8 years old and will celebrate his 9th birthday in October. Both he and his mother were safely extracted from the Gaza Strip earlier this month, although their current location remains private for their safety.
The search for Abboud began in late July, following claims from a former GHF employee, Anthony Aguilar, that a boy named Amir had been fatally shot by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on May 28 after leaving a GHF distribution site.
Discovery Amid Controversy
Reports indicate that Abboud and his mother arrived at a secure GHF site on August 23, 2025. They were spotted in disguise to evade detection. A GHF representative confirmed that the operation to locate them was prompted by concerns over safety and to verify the events Aguilar had described.
Aguilar, a retired U.S. Army officer, had earlier shared accounts claiming he interacted with “Amir” when the boy approached him for food. However, footage he provided did not support these claims. In response to Aguilar’s assertion that Abboud was killed, the GHF denied his claims and highlighted inconsistencies in his account.
Misinformation and Safety Risks
Aguilar’s claims have drawn scrutiny, particularly since he had presented various conflicting narratives about where the alleged shooting occurred. Sources from the GHF confirmed that no such incident took place on the dates and locations Aguilar described.
Following the discovery of Abboud, it was revealed that he had gone missing for a different reason. According to his stepmother, he left her home to be with his birth mother due to family disputes.
The GHF’s intensive search was influenced by growing threats from local groups. Concerns were raised that these groups had an interest in suppressing the discovery of the boy, as it would contradict Aguilar’s claims regarding Israeli forces.
A Cautious Reunion
Once located, Abboud and Najlaa, his mother, were brought to the GHF, where they were seen together, embracing. Abboud happily referred to Najlaa as “mama” and expressed relief at being with her. The GHF verified their identities using facial recognition technology.
Aguilar, who remains adamant about his original account, has faced allegations of mounting an agenda against the GHF following his dismissal from work. GHF officials described him as a disgruntled former employee who had become problematic in the workplace.
In summary, the story of Abboud’s presumed death has taken a significant turn, highlighting the challenges of verifying information in conflict areas and the complexities involving local factions and humanitarian efforts. The situation remains fluid, and organizations like the GHF continue to work towards ensuring safety amid the ongoing turmoil.
