UN Says Hamas Disrupted Gaza Aid Distribution, Group Denies Allegations

The United Nations has accused Hamas of disrupting humanitarian aid operations in the Gaza Strip, warning that repeated incidents are endangering relief workers and delaying life-saving assistance for civilians facing a worsening humanitarian crisis.

In a statement released late Sunday, Ramiz Alakbarov, the U.N. Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and humanitarian coordinator for the Palestinian territories, said aid operations were temporarily suspended on Saturday after armed men entered a food distribution site in northern Gaza. According to the U.N., two truck drivers were assaulted inside a World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse during the incident.

Alakbarov described the event as part of a growing pattern of intimidation, violence, obstruction, and attempted smuggling that has increasingly targeted humanitarian operations across Gaza.

He said such actions place humanitarian workers at serious risk, disrupt the delivery of essential food and medical supplies, and further restrict the ability of aid organizations to assist civilians suffering from severe humanitarian conditions.

Hamas rejected the U.N.'s allegations on Monday, insisting that its police forces were conducting a routine law enforcement operation after receiving reports that cigarettes and mobile phone components had been hidden inside aid parcels.

The group said the incident at the WFP distribution center in the Abu Rashid area of the Jabalia refugee camp was not a raid, attack, or interference with humanitarian activities, calling the U.N.'s account inaccurate.

The dispute comes as Gaza continues to endure the devastating consequences of the war that began after Hamas launched its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. More than two and a half years later, much of the territory remains heavily damaged, with widespread destruction affecting homes, infrastructure, and public services.

Nearly the entire population of around two million Palestinians has been displaced, with many now living in tents or damaged buildings. Hamas continues to govern parts of the enclave, while Israeli forces control more than 60% of Gaza, including all major access points.

Efforts to secure a ceasefire, which would involve Hamas disarming and Israeli forces withdrawing from Gaza, have stalled for months, leaving humanitarian conditions increasingly dire.