The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) issued a statement Monday accusing Hamas of forcefully taking over a World Food Programme food distribution center in the Jabalia area of northern Gaza. According to the statement, Hamas operatives entered the compound, seized the warehouse, and physically assaulted two truck drivers delivering humanitarian aid, halting food distribution to thousands of families. COGAT directly addressed Gaza residents, stating that Hamas is exploiting aid for its own interests.
The Zioneer — The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) on Monday confirmed that Hamas operatives physically assaulted two humanitarian aid truck drivers during the takeover of a World Food Programme (WFP) distribution center in Jabalia, northern Gaza. The confirmation, issued in a statement at 10:49 Jerusalem, provides an on-record account of the violence, which was previously reported as unverified. COGAT’s statement also includes a direct address to Gaza residents, accusing Hamas of exploiting aid for its own interests.
At 10:49 Jerusalem, The Zioneer first reported that Hamas operatives had seized the WFP center and that two aid truck drivers were “reportedly assaulted.” The United Nations also issued a rare condemnation at the same time, calling the takeover a disruption of daily food deliveries to thousands of families. The UN’s humanitarian coordinator described the incident as part of a “recurring pattern of intimidation and disruption,” as The Zioneer reported in its initial dispatch. Over the following minutes, additional bulletins at 10:53 and 11:09 Jerusalem reinforced the UN’s criticism and COGAT’s direct message to Gaza residents.
The incident deepens the documented challenge of ensuring humanitarian aid reaches civilians in Gaza amid the conflict. The Zioneer has previously reported on Hamas’s exploitation of aid channels, including the diversion of supplies and the use of civilian infrastructure for military purposes. The UN’s characterization of the incident as part of a broader pattern of intimidation has been echoed by COGAT’s accusation that Hamas prioritizes its own power over the needs of the population.
It remains unclear whether the WFP will resume operations at the Jabalia center, and what measures will be taken to prevent future seizures. The assault on the drivers has not been independently verified by humanitarian organizations on the ground, and no response from Hamas has been reported.
6 developments
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- DevelopingChannel opinion piece urges separation from Hamas in Gaza, halt to humanitarian aid
Source and signal
- Internal intake