“Shot to the torso, a shot to the leg – dead,” he told Dialogue Works regarding Abboud. 

Initially, Aguilar described the incident to various media, including Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., saying the event occurred outside Secure Distribution Site-1 (SDS-1) on July 29. Later, he told MSNBC on August 2 that it took place near SDS-2 and then reported to Dialogue Works the following month that it happened outside SDS-3.

The GHF, which had ended Aguilar’s contract in June, started an inquiry at the end of July to identify the boy and ascertain the truth of the situation.

Through their investigation, which relied on speaking with local Palestinians, they eventually tracked down Abboud’s mother and her son. 

GHF successfully verified the identities of Abboud, his mother, and other relatives using facial recognition technology, which matched the boy’s photos with those taken by Aguilar, alongside biometric data provided to Fox News Digital.

Exclusive footage obtained by Fox News Digital shows Abboud cheerfully interacting with a GHF representative when he and his mother arrived at SDS-3 late last month.

“We are thrilled and immensely relieved that Abboud is safe, and that this story concluded positively,” GHF Executive Chair Johnnie Moore stated to Fox News Digital. “This outcome was uncertain, achieved through the dedication and perseverance of our team of American heroes; veterans who tirelessly strived to locate him and bring him to safety amidst the most challenging conditions.”

As Aguilar’s story gained widespread attention, concerns arose that Hamas had a motive to prevent Abboud from being found, as his discovery might disprove claims that GHF and the IDF had engaged in ruthless and deadly actions against Palestinians.

“While this story ends happily, it could have ended in tragedy,” Moore added. “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,” he added.

Abdul Rahim Muhammad Hamden (Abboud), 8 years old, has been discovered with his mother in the Gaza Strip following a GHF investigation that concluded when they appeared as Secure Distribution Site (SDS) 3 in the Gaza Strip on Aug. 23, 2025. (Gaza Humanitarian Foundation )

Abboud’s mother brought him to SDS 3 late last month under a heavy disguise, before the pair, along with four other male family members, including at least one who had been threatened by Hamas, were extracted from the Gaza Strip, a GHF representative involved in the operation confirmed to Fox News Digital.

“He and his mother have been moved to safe and 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,” GHF spokesman Chapman Fay told Fox News Digital.

Najlaa said her wish for her son’s future is that he be “at ease.”

“My son and I suffered a lot. But we thank God,” she added. “I thank everyone who helped me and stood by me.”