A representative of the United Nations (UN) stated that HAMAS is obstructing humanitarian operations in Gaza and posing threats to humanitarian workers. The Palestinian group categorically rejected these accusations.
According to the Deputy Special Coordinator of the UN for the Middle East Peace Process, Ramiz Alakbarov, humanitarian workers were forced to halt food distribution on Monday. This followed an incident in which armed personnel associated with the de facto authority forcibly entered the food distribution point Abu Rashid in Jabalia, located in northern Gaza.
Alakbarov reported that the armed personnel entered the warehouse of the World Food Programme (WFP) and attacked two truck drivers delivering humanitarian supplies. He added that “these incidents are not isolated” and “reflect an increasingly dangerous pattern of intimidation, violence, and obstruction, including attempts at smuggling, targeted actions against humanitarian operations, and abuse of humanitarian activities”.
HAMAS response to accusations
HAMAS, which controls parts of Gaza, strongly denied these accusations. The group stated: “We categorically reject the language of incitement, distortion of facts, and the fabricated version of events presented in the statement.”
According to HAMAS, the WFP distribution center was not attacked and was not the target of a forced raid, but was the site of an “official law enforcement operation.” This operation was conducted after the discovery of smuggled items “hidden in packages of humanitarian aid.” The group added that a unit of the Palestinian police uncovered an attempt to use humanitarian convoys to smuggle cigarettes and mobile phone screens for commercial purposes.
HAMAS noted that “the police intervention in this incident was a responsible government measure aimed primarily at ensuring the independence, integrity, and neutrality of humanitarian activities.” The UN representative warned that HAMAS’s actions continue to hinder the delivery of vital aid at a time when civilians across Gaza are facing serious difficulties.
Source: Al Jazeera
