Hamas Seizes UN Food Distribution Center in Gaza, UN Condemns Pattern of Violence

Over the past weekend, Hamas militants took control of a food distribution center operated by the World Food Programme (WFP) in the Jabalya area of northern Gaza. This takeover led to the suspension of daily food aid activities that serve thousands of families. During the incident, Hamas fighters violently attacked truck drivers delivering humanitarian supplies, further disrupting aid efforts.

The United Nations issued an unusual statement condemning Hamas for this act, describing it as part of a recurring pattern of intimidation, violence, and interference with humanitarian operations in Gaza. The UN highlighted that such actions endanger aid workers, disrupt life-saving assistance, and exacerbate the already dire humanitarian conditions faced by Gaza's population.

The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) also condemned Hamas's actions on their Arabic Facebook page, emphasizing that Hamas prioritizes maintaining its power and instilling fear over the welfare of Gaza's residents. They accused Hamas of exploiting humanitarian aid for its own purposes and warned that Israel will not allow the terrorist organization to continue abusing humanitarian channels.

Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, the UN humanitarian coordinator, stressed that this was not an isolated event but part of an escalating trend of harassment and violence against aid efforts. The statement called for humanitarian organizations to operate safely, independently, and without fear of intimidation.

Additionally, Hamas marked the second anniversary of the killing of senior militant Muhammad Deif by releasing a new image of him, underscoring their ongoing militant narrative amid the humanitarian crisis.

The incident highlights the complex challenges facing aid delivery in Gaza, where political and militant interference severely hampers efforts to assist a population enduring severe hardship.