GHF Confirms Child Falsely Claimed Dead by Former Contractor is Alive and Safe
The Boy, Whose Real Name is Abood, and his Family Transported to Safe, Undisclosed Location After Potential Hamas Threats
September 4, 2025, Washington, D.C. – The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) today confirmed that the young boy falsely claimed to have been killed by the IDF and misidentified as “Amir” by former UG Solutions contractor Tony Aguilar is alive and safe. The boy’s real name is Abdul Rahim “Abood” Muhammad Hamden. He has been safely relocated with his mother to a secure, undisclosed location.
The announcement comes after weeks of high-risk efforts by GHF’s humanitarian team and American veterans who worked closely with local community members to confirm the boy’s identity and ensure his safety.
“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,” said Executive Director John Acree. “We are grateful for the many people who worked tirelessly and played a role in this incredible mission, including the U.S. Embassy in Israel and regional governments, all of whom worked in close coordination with GHF to ensure one boy’s safety. 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.”
“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,” said Executive Chairman Rev. Johnnie Moore. “While this story ends happily, it could have ended in tragedy. Too many people, including in the press and civil society, were quick to spread unverified claims without asking the most basic questions. The public and policy makers should ask themselves what else they have heard and believed about GHF that is also a lie. When a child’s life is at stake, facts must matter more than headlines. Thank God we were able to save him.”
Tony Aguilar, a former contractor terminated for misconduct, fabricated a story alleging that a young boy named “Amir” had been shot and killed by the IDF on May 28 after seeking aid at a GHF site. Aguilar repeated these claims in multiple media appearances, describing in vivid and false detail the boy’s supposed last moments. Aguilar circulated photographs of the boy across global media, knowingly misrepresenting their interaction and changing the story with each telling.
Video evidence, however, later revealed that Aguilar’s only interaction with the child was brief and dismissive, instructing him to “Go home.” Abood returned home unharmed. But Aguilar’s lie went viral—shared by journalists, influencers, and even elected officials, putting the boy and his family in possible danger from Hamas.
GHF immediately launched a discreet search for the boy. Through trusted community relationships, the organization traced him to his extended family and ultimately to his biological mother. His identity was confirmed through multiple methods, including biometrics and the clothing he wore the day Aguilar falsely claimed to witness his death.
The successful effort involved extensive coordination with the U.S. Embassy in Israel and regional governments, who worked with GHF to ensure Abood’s safe relocation.
“In late July, when Mr. Aguilar took his lies public, he splashed photos taken of the boy across global media, knowingly misrepresenting his interaction to create a false viral story. That publicity placed the child and his family squarely in the crosshairs of Hamas, who have benefited greatly from Mr. Aguilar’s lies and the media amplifying them. If the boy was proven alive, it would unravel their propaganda, expose Mr. Aguilar’s lie, and discredit a narrative that Hamas has used to stoke outrage and violence,” stated GHF Spokesperson Chapin Fay in a press conference today.
Watch the full press briefing here.
Click here for the full transcript of the press briefing.
Click here for GHF’s previous press briefing on Mr. Aguilar.
Please follow @GHFUpdates for regular updates.
EMAIL US AT [email protected] IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR TO CONFIRM INFORMATION RELATED TO GHF’S HUMANITARIAN OPERATIONS IN GAZA.
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