UN Humanitarian Coordinator Accuses Hamas of Violently Disrupting Aid in Gaza

The United Nations humanitarian coordinator, Ramiz Alakbarov, publicly condemned Hamas for violently interfering with humanitarian aid efforts in the Gaza Strip. He reported that Hamas militants seized a food distribution point in the Jabalya area and physically attacked two truck drivers delivering aid supplies. Alakbarov described these incidents as part of a growing pattern of intimidation, violence, and obstruction against humanitarian workers, including attempts to smuggle goods and abuse aid personnel. He emphasized that such actions endanger aid workers, disrupt life-saving assistance, and further limit humanitarian organizations' ability to operate amid Gaza's severe humanitarian crisis.

The specific incident occurred over the past weekend when Hamas operatives took control of a World Food Programme warehouse and assaulted aid drivers. In response, Hamas's Interior Ministry denied the allegations, calling them baseless and asserting that local police and security forces are responsible for securing aid deliveries and distribution centers.

Meanwhile, the Israeli government’s Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) criticized Hamas, stating the UN's statement confirms Hamas's cynical exploitation of humanitarian aid intended for Gaza’s civilian population. This ongoing conflict over aid distribution highlights the challenges faced by humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza under Hamas's control.