A senior United Nations official on July 13 accused Hamas of interfering in humanitarian aid transportation in Gaza and threatened aid workers, warning that the group's actions are making relief operations increasingly dangerous.
Hamas continues to control some areas in Gaza, even after Israeli forces expanded their presence over 60% of this territory.
In a statement, the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process - Mr. Ramiz Alakbarov - said that he "strongly" condemned the obstruction of humanitarian activities by the government in Gaza, referring to Hamas. According to AFP quoting him, Hamas's actions "threatened humanitarian workers, frightened people transporting food aid and disrupted humanitarian activities".
According to a United Nations statement, Hamas-linked gunmen are believed to have stormed a food distribution point in Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip, on July 11. The gunmen "also broke into a World Food Program (WFP) warehouse and are believed to have assaulted two truck drivers transporting humanitarian aid," the statement added.
Mr. Alakbarov said, "these cases are not isolated" and "reflect an increasingly dangerous pattern of threats, violence and obstruction, including smuggling, targeting and abusing humanitarian activities".
He warned that such actions are hindering the distribution of life-saving aid at a time when civilians across Gaza are facing serious difficulties.
A ceasefire has been reached in Gaza between Israel and Hamas after 2 years of conflict. The second phase of the ceasefire, which involves disarmament of Hamas and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, has been stalled for months.
Israeli forces have expanded their presence in recent months, seizing control of more than 60% of Gaza territory. Hamas still maintains control over the remaining territory, but announced last week the dissolution of the management agency of 15 members that had run this land for nearly two decades.
