Hamas attacks Gaza aid sites, holds Palestinians ransom for expended ammunition expenses - report

Hamas has been accused of attacking food distribution points in the Gaza Strip, hijacking aid, and threatening local residents, according to Palestinians who spoke to The Telegraph. In one reported incident, armed Hamas members allegedly waited near a shelter filled with displaced women, children, and the elderly. When a group asked them to leave to avoid making the shelter a target, the Hamas members reportedly returned with reinforcements, stormed the shelter, opened fire, and arrested several individuals.

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The group left, only to return with greater numbers. They stormed the shelter and opened fire, causing panic and terror among the women and children, and proceeded to arrest several people.

According to one anonymous Gazan civilian source, the arrested individuals were allegedly not released until Hamas was compensated approximately NIS 24,500 for the ammunition expended during the incident. Another source claimed Hamas has been smuggling goods via aid and commercial trucks to generate funds. The method of concealment is unclear, but it is believed that illicit items are loaded at origin countries, with merchants bribing officials during the packing process.

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The Hamas terrorists had refused to release the civilians they'd arrested until they were compensated for the ammunition they had expended - around NIS 24,500.

Last week, Hamas terrorists reportedly invaded a World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse at the Abu Rashid food distribution point in Jabalia, assaulting two drivers. United Nations Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov "strongly" condemned the incident, acknowledging a "dangerous pattern of intimidation, violence and obstruction, including smuggling attempts, targeting and abusing humanitarian operations" by the "de facto authorities."

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While the exact method of concealment remains unclear, it is believed that these items are often loaded at warehouses in the countries of origin, while merchants bribe officials to include illicit goods during the packing process.

While Alakbarov labeled Israeli control of the territory as a significant threat to humanitarian supplies, his statement also pointed to the actions of the "de facto authorities" as a source of obstruction and violence against aid operations.

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I strongly condemn the incident... there was a dangerous pattern of intimidation, violence and obstruction, including smuggling attempts, targeting and abusing humanitarian operations.