Full Breakdown
UN Accuses Hamas of Disrupting Aid at Abu Rashid Distribution Point
7/14/2026, 6:02:46 AM
Incident Overview
On Saturday, July 11 2026, armed men entered the Abu Rashid food-distribution point in the Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza, and forced their way into a World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse. According to UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Ramiz Alakbarov, the men assaulted two truck drivers delivering humanitarian supplies, prompting the UN to suspend food distribution at the site. Alakbarov described the episode as “a dangerous pattern of intimidation, violence and obstruction” by Gaza’s “de facto authorities.”
Background & Context
The Gaza conflict began with Hamas-led attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023, triggering a two-year war that has left most of the enclave in ruins. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire was reached in October 2024, but its second phase—Hamas disarmament and a full Israeli withdrawal—has stalled. Israeli forces now control more than 60 % of Gaza’s territory, while Hamas retains authority over the remainder. Humanitarian conditions remain severe, with limited access to food, medicine, and shelter.
Key Figures & Groups
- Ramiz Alakbarov – UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process.
- Hamas – the militant group that governs parts of Gaza and is referred to by the UN as the “de facto authorities.”
- Ismail Thawabteh – spokesman for the Hamas-controlled interior ministry.
- World Food Programme (WFP) – the UN agency operating the distribution centre.
- Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) – the Israeli civil-military body overseeing aid entry points.
Data & Statistics
- More than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began.
- The Gaza Health Ministry, operating under Hamas authority, reports 1,098 Palestinian deaths since the ceasefire’s start, alongside five Israeli soldiers killed in the same period.
- Israeli forces now control over 60 % of Gaza, exceeding the 53 % stipulated in the first phase of the ceasefire agreement.
Impact on Humanitarian Operations
The suspension of distribution at Abu Rashid reduces the flow of life-saving food to an already strained civilian population. UN officials warn that repeated incidents “endanger humanitarian personnel, intimidate workers delivering life-saving food assistance and disrupt life-saving humanitarian operations,” further constricting the limited space in which aid agencies can operate.
Official Statements & Responses
Alakbarov’s statement condemned the “obstruction of humanitarian operations” and called for all parties to respect international humanitarian law. Hamas issued a counter-statement asserting that the police action was a lawful anti-smuggling operation and rejected the UN’s “manufactured narrative.” COGAT posted on social media that it “strongly condemns this serious incident,” characterizing Hamas as exploiting humanitarian channels for its own purposes.
Criticism & Opposition
Israeli officials have repeatedly blamed Hamas for hindering aid delivery, arguing that the group’s interference, rather than Israeli restrictions, is the primary barrier to reaching civilians. The COGAT condemnation reflects this view, emphasizing the need to protect humanitarian corridors from exploitation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The UN describes the event as an unlawful raid that forced a halt to aid, while Hamas frames it as a legitimate police raid targeting smuggled cigarettes and mobile-phone components concealed in aid parcels. Independent verification of the incident’s nature and the extent of any smuggling has not been provided, leaving a factual gap in the record.
Verbatim Quotes
- “These incidents are not isolated. They are completely unacceptable and reflect an increasingly dangerous pattern of intimidation, violence and obstruction,” — Ramiz Alakbarov, UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process
- “The people of Gaza have already endured immense suffering. They cannot be subjected to further delays or disruptions in the delivery of life-saving assistance. I reiterate that humanitarian organizations must be able to carry out their work safely, independently, impartially and without fear of intimidation or violence.” — Ramiz Alakbarov
- “We categorically reject the language of incitement, the distortion of facts, and the manufactured narrative presented in the statement,” — Hamas spokesperson
- “The police intervention in this incident constituted a responsible governmental measure aimed fundamentally at safeguarding the independence, integrity, and neutrality of humanitarian action,” — Hamas
- “COGAT strongly condemns this serious incident,” — Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT)
- “should have expressed appreciation and gratitude to the government authorities” — Ismail Thawabteh, Hamas interior ministry spokesman
