A United Nations official has stated that the Palestinian militant group Hamas is obstructing aid distribution in the Gaza Strip, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis for civilians in the war-torn territory.
The UN's humanitarian coordinator for the Palestinian territories reported that humanitarian workers were forced to cease operations 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, reflecting a dangerous pattern of intimidation and violence targeting humanitarian operations, including smuggling attempts.
"These incidents are placing humanitarian workers at risk, disrupting the delivery of life-saving assistance, and further constraining the ability of humanitarian organizations to operate at a time when civilians across Gaza continue to face immense and pressing humanitarian conditions," Alakbarov stated.
Hamas on Monday refuted these allegations, with its media office asserting that the police forces involved were conducting a law enforcement operation based on reports of smuggled cigarettes and mobile phone components found within aid parcels. The group characterized the incident at the World Food Programme distribution center in Jabalia Refugee Camp not as a raid or attack, but as a response to alleged smuggling.
The Gaza Strip remains largely in ruins over two and a half years after the conflict began following Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The enclave's population of nearly two million people has been largely displaced by Israeli military operations, with many now residing in tents or damaged structures along the coast, an area still governed by Hamas.
Israeli troops maintain control over more than 60% of the territory, including all access points. Ceasefire negotiations aimed at disarming Hamas and securing an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza have been stalled for months.
