The United Nations issued a rare statement Monday detailing that Hamas operatives took over a food distribution center in the Jabalia area of northern Gaza over the weekend, halting food distribution. Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) also addressed Gaza residents, accusing Hamas of stealing humanitarian aid intended for civilians.
At 11:46 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported a combined statement from the United Nations and Israel's COGAT detailing that Hamas operatives seized a food distribution center in the Jabalia area of northern Gaza over the weekend, halting food distribution. The UN's statement specifies that the seizure occurred at a World Food Programme distribution center, and COGAT's statement directly addresses Gaza residents, accusing Hamas of stealing humanitarian aid and prioritizing its power.
The first reports of the incident emerged at 10:49 Jerusalem, when The Zioneer reported that Hamas operatives had forcibly taken over the distribution center, assaulted two aid truck drivers, and halted daily food deliveries. That initial report cited both the UN and COGAT. At 10:53, the UN issued a rare and unusually direct statement accusing Hamas of prioritizing its own power and stealing humanitarian aid. At 11:21, COGAT released a separate statement accusing Hamas of seizing the UN food center and attacking drivers, and directly addressed Gaza residents.
The UN's humanitarian coordinator has described the incident as part of a recurring pattern of intimidation and disruption, as reported by The Zioneer at 10:49. This episode aligns with broader allegations of Hamas diverting aid for its own purposes, a charge repeatedly made by Israeli officials.
Independent verification of the incidents remains unavailable. The reports are based on official statements from the UN and the Israeli government.
6 developments
- DevelopingUN in rare statement: Hamas terrorists focused on preserving power, stole aid
- DevelopingHamas reorganizing and controlling territory in Gaza, testimonies to N12 say
- StrongCOGAT tells Gaza residents: Hamas is blocking your future by rejecting Trump framework
- DevelopingChannel opinion piece urges separation from Hamas in Gaza, halt to humanitarian aid
Source and signal
- Internal intake