Hamas Seizes UN Food Distribution Site in Gaza, Halting Aid to Thousands

Over the past weekend, armed Hamas militants forcibly took control of a United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) food distribution center in the Jabalya area of northern Gaza. This takeover led to the suspension of daily food aid deliveries that served thousands of families in the region. According to UN reports, the militants not only seized the WFP food warehouse but also violently attacked two humanitarian aid truck drivers delivering supplies.

The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) condemned the incident sharply via the Arabic Facebook page "Al-Munask," stating that Hamas prioritizes maintaining its power and diverting humanitarian aid for its own criminal interests rather than addressing the needs of Gaza’s population. COGAT emphasized that Hamas uses intimidation and violence to disrupt aid efforts.

Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, the UN humanitarian coordinator, described the event as part of a recurring pattern of intimidation, violence, and interference with humanitarian operations in Gaza. He affirmed that while humanitarian aid continues to enter Gaza, Hamas is responsible for seizing and obstructing its distribution. The UN pledged to prevent the terrorist organization from exploiting humanitarian channels and vowed to continue efforts to protect aid delivery to civilians.

This incident highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring humanitarian assistance reaches Gaza’s vulnerable populations amid the complex security and political environment. The suspension of food distribution affects thousands of families relying on daily aid for survival. The UN and Israeli authorities remain engaged in addressing these disruptions and safeguarding humanitarian operations in the area.