UN Condemns Hamas for Violent Attack on Humanitarian Aid Trucks in Gaza

The United Nations issued a rare condemnation of Hamas on Monday following a violent incident two days earlier in the Jabalya refugee camp in northern Gaza. Armed militants affiliated with Hamas forcibly took over a humanitarian aid distribution point known as "Abu Rashad," disrupting the delivery of life-saving aid. The attackers also entered a World Food Programme warehouse and assaulted two aid truck drivers.

In an official statement, UN Humanitarian Coordinator Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov sharply criticized Hamas's actions, describing them as a dangerous pattern of intimidation, violence, and interference with humanitarian operations. Although he refrained from labeling Hamas members as "terrorists," he condemned their conduct for endangering aid workers and obstructing critical assistance to civilians enduring severe humanitarian conditions in Gaza.

Dr. Alakbarov called for an immediate halt to all interference in humanitarian activities, emphasizing the need to respect the neutrality and independence of aid organizations. He stressed the importance of protecting civilians and aid personnel and ensuring the swift, safe, and unobstructed passage of impartial humanitarian aid.

The UN's denunciation highlights growing concerns over the escalating harassment and abuse of humanitarian workers by de facto authorities in Gaza, which jeopardizes the delivery of essential aid amid ongoing crises in the region.