Hamas has repeatedly attacked food distribution points in the Gaza Strip, hijacking aid and threatening locals, Palestinians told The Telegraph in a report published on Saturday.
In one instance, according to one anonymous Gazan civilian, armed Hamas terrorists had been waiting near a shelter containing displaced women, children, and elderly people, when a group of men asked them to move away so that the shelter would not become a target.
“The group left, only to return with greater numbers. They stormed the shelter and opened fire, causing panic and terror among the women and children, and proceeded to arrest several people.”
The source also told the Telegraph that the Hamas terrorists had refused to release the civilians they'd arrested until they were compensated for the ammunition they had expended - around NIS 24,500.
Another source said that Hamas had been smuggling various goods inside trucks belonging to aid organizations, as well as commercial ones, in order to generate funds.
“While the exact method of concealment remains unclear, it is believed that these items are often loaded at warehouses in the countries of origin, while merchants bribe officials to include illicit goods during the packing process," the source told the Telegraph.
Hamas attacks WFP humanitarian aid site
Last week, Hamas terrorists invaded the warehouse at the Abu Rashid food distribution point in Jabalia, operated by the World Food Programme (WFP), and assaulted two drivers who were delivering humanitarian supplies, according to the UN.
Asserting that he “strongly” condemned the incident, United Nations Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov acknowledged there was a “dangerous pattern of intimidation, violence and obstruction, including smuggling attempts, targeting and abusing humanitarian operations” being carried out by the “de facto authorities.”
Though Hamas went unnamed in the statement, Alakbarov labeled Israel’s expansive control of the territory as a major threat to humanitarian supplies in the Palestinian territory.
Danielle Greyman-Kennard contributed to this report.