GHF Confirms Gazan Boy “Amir” Alive and Safe After Former Contractor’s Fabricated Claims

By The Blogging Hounds In a dramatic reversal of a viral misinformation campaign, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has confirmed that the young boy falsely reported dead in Gaza is alive and safe. The child, whose real name is Abdul Rahim “Abood” Muhammad Hamden, and his mother have been transported to a secure, undisclosed location…

By The Blogging Hounds

In a dramatic reversal of a viral misinformation campaign, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has confirmed that the young boy falsely reported dead in Gaza is alive and safe. The child, whose real name is Abdul Rahim “Abood” Muhammad Hamden, and his mother have been transported to a secure, undisclosed location following threats from Hamas linked to the false reporting.

The Viral Lie That Put a Child in Danger
Weeks of meticulous investigation by GHF’s humanitarian team and American veterans working on the ground revealed that claims made by former contractor Tony Aguilar — alleging that a boy named “Amir” had been shot and killed by the IDF — were entirely fabricated. Aguilar’s false narrative, shared widely in global media and repeated by journalists, influencers, and some elected officials, endangered the child and his family. Video evidence later proved that Aguilar’s only interaction with Abood was brief and dismissive, instructing him to “Go home.”

GHF’s Humanitarian Heroes at Work
Thanks to GHF’s deep, trust-based relationships within Gaza, the organization traced Abood to his extended family and ultimately confirmed his identity through multiple methods, including biometrics and day-of-clothing verification. The operation involved coordinated efforts with the U.S. Embassy in Israel and regional governments, ensuring the child’s safe relocation amid potential threats.

Executive Director John Acree emphasized the extraordinary effort:
“Thanks to our extraordinary relationship with the people of Gaza; our humanitarian team, and American veterans who relied on the deep trust built through GHF’s daily aid delivery, Abood has been found and is now safe. It’s unfortunate that some will take advantage of the tragedy of Gaza for personal or political gain. This type of behavior puts lives at risk and creates misleading narratives that hurt the Palestinians we are trying to feed.”

Executive Chairman Rev. Johnnie Moore added:
“We are overjoyed and deeply relieved that Abood 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.”

The Danger of Misinformation in Gaza
Aguilar’s lies amplified by media coverage placed Abood and his family in the crosshairs of Hamas. GHF warns that misinformation is not just a reputational issue — it is a matter of life and death. The organization urges journalists, civil society, and policymakers to prioritize verified facts over viral headlines, especially when children are at risk.

A Mission of Truth and Protection
This successful rescue underscores the importance of trusted humanitarian networks in conflict zones, particularly in Gaza, where propaganda, political agendas, and misinformation can directly endanger civilians. GHF’s coordinated effort demonstrates that even in the most dangerous environments, truth and on-the-ground expertise can save lives.

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