UN Condemns Hamas for Disrupting Humanitarian Aid Distribution in Gaza

The United Nations issued a rare condemnation of Hamas on Monday following an incident last Saturday in which armed Hamas members forcibly took over a humanitarian aid distribution point in Jabalya, northern Gaza. The militants violently attacked aid truck drivers and halted the delivery of life-saving supplies.

Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, the UN humanitarian coordinator, sharply criticized Hamas for obstructing humanitarian operations, endangering aid workers, and intimidating staff involved in delivering critical assistance. He described the incident as part of a troubling pattern of harassment, violence, and interference that jeopardizes aid efforts amid Gaza's severe humanitarian crisis.

According to the UN, Hamas operatives also entered a World Food Programme warehouse during the incident and assaulted two truck drivers. Dr. Alakbarov called for an immediate end to all interference with humanitarian activities, emphasizing the need to protect aid workers and ensure the safe, impartial, and uninterrupted delivery of aid to civilians.

In response, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) issued a statement highlighting the UN's condemnation and accusing Hamas of exploiting humanitarian aid for its own interests, terrorizing the population, and diverting aid meant for Gaza residents. COGAT vowed to prevent Hamas from continuing to manipulate humanitarian channels and pledged to act against any attempts to disrupt aid distribution.

The UN stressed that expanding Israeli-controlled areas further restricts the space available for civilians, making the unhindered movement of humanitarian aid even more critical. The ongoing interference by Hamas threatens the continuity of life-saving assistance during a time of dire need in Gaza.