Hamas raids WFP distribution point in Gaza Strip, drawing condemnation from UN official

Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, the United Nations Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, has strongly condemned an incident at a World Food Programme (WFP) food distribution point in Jabalia, Gaza. "De facto authorities" invaded the Abu Rashid distribution point on Saturday, assaulting staff and seizing humanitarian supplies. The UN reported that Hamas terrorists were responsible for the invasion and assault on two drivers delivering aid.

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The de facto authorities invaded and assaulted staff at the Abu Rashid food distribution point in Jabalia on Saturday.

Alakbarov described a "dangerous pattern of intimidation, violence and obstruction, including smuggling attempts, targeting and abusing humanitarian operations" carried out by these authorities. While he did not explicitly name Hamas in his statement, he pointed to Israel's extensive control over the territory as a significant threat to humanitarian supplies. He emphasized that international humanitarian law requires all parties to protect humanitarian personnel, facilities, and relief supplies.

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There was a dangerous pattern of intimidation, violence and obstruction, including smuggling attempts, targeting and abusing humanitarian operations.

The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) also issued a condemnation, stating the incident clearly demonstrates Hamas's cynical exploitation of humanitarian aid intended for Gaza's residents. COGAT asserted that Hamas undermines distribution mechanisms, seizes aid, and prevents it from reaching the civilian population. The organization stressed that humanitarian aid is entering Gaza, but Hamas is the party obstructing its delivery to civilians.

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This constitutes further clear evidence that Hamas cynically exploits the humanitarian space and the aid intended for the residents of the Gaza Strip for its own purposes.