UN Official Alleges Hamas Interference in Gaza Aid Deliveries, Endangering Workers
A senior United Nations official has accused Hamas of obstructing humanitarian aid deliveries in Gaza and intimidating relief workers, warning that such actions are making life-saving operations increasingly dangerous.
In a statement issued on Monday, Ramiz Alakbarov, the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, said he 'strongly' condemns the obstruction by Gaza's de facto authorities, referring to Hamas. He alleged that armed men linked to Hamas forced their way into a food distribution point in Jabalia, northern Gaza, on Saturday and entered a World Food Programme warehouse, reportedly assaulting two truck drivers delivering supplies.
Alakbarov described these incidents as part of 'an increasingly dangerous pattern of intimidation, violence and obstruction, including smuggling attempts, targeting and abusing humanitarian operations.' He warned that such actions are hampering the delivery of essential aid when civilians across Gaza face severe hardships.
Hamas continues to control parts of Gaza, despite Israeli forces expanding their presence across more than 60% of the territory since a ceasefire was reached in October, ending two years of war. The conflict was triggered by Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The second phase of the ceasefire, which includes Hamas's disarmament and a gradual Israeli withdrawal, has been stalled for months.
Last week, Hamas announced it was dissolving its 15-member governing body that had administered the strip for nearly two decades. Violence persists in Gaza despite the ceasefire. The territory's Health Ministry, which operates under Hamas and whose figures are considered reliable by the United Nations, reports at least 1,098 Palestinians have been killed since the truce took effect. The Israeli military says it has lost five soldiers and one civilian contractor in the same period.
