Key facts
- A UN official accused Hamas of obstructing aid distribution in Gaza.
- The UN's humanitarian coordinator reported armed men entered a food distribution point.
- Two truck drivers were assaulted at a World Food Program warehouse.
- Hamas denied obstructing aid, stating police were conducting a law enforcement operation.
- Hamas claimed the operation was due to reports of smuggled cigarettes and mobile phone components.
A United Nations official has accused the Palestinian militant group Hamas of obstructing aid distribution in the Gaza Strip, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis for civilians. The UN's humanitarian coordinator for the Palestinian territories reported that humanitarian workers had to halt activities on Saturday after armed individuals entered a food distribution point in northern Gaza and assaulted two truck drivers at a World Food Program warehouse.
Ramiz Alakbarov, UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, described these incidents as unacceptable and part of a dangerous pattern of intimidation and violence targeting humanitarian operations. He stated that these actions put humanitarian workers at risk, disrupt life-saving assistance, and limit the ability of organizations to operate.
Hamas, however, denied the allegations on Monday. Its media office stated that the police forces involved were carrying out a law enforcement operation after receiving reports of smuggled cigarettes and mobile phone components concealed within aid parcels. Hamas characterized the incident at the World Food Programme facility in Jabalia Refugee Camp not as a raid, attack, or obstruction, but as a false claim.
The Gaza war was triggered by Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Much of the enclave remains in ruins following Israel's bombardment, which displaced nearly the entire population. Israeli troops control over 60% of the territory, including all access points. Ceasefire talks aimed at disarming Hamas and Israel's withdrawal from Gaza have been faltering for months.