The expansive control exercised by Israel over the Palestinian territory represents a major threat to humanitarian supplies, according to Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, the United Nations Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process. His statement on Sunday followed an incident where "de facto authorities" invaded the Abu Rashid food distribution point in Jabalia on Saturday, assaulting two drivers delivering essential aid. The World Food Programme operated the warehouse targeted in the attack.
Alakbarov, while notably failing to name Hamas, strongly condemned the incident. He cited a "dangerous pattern of intimidation, violence and obstruction, including smuggling attempts, targeting and abusing humanitarian operations" by these "de facto authorities." This pattern, he explained, directly impacts the ability of aid organizations to operate effectively within the occupied territory.
The Humanitarian Crisis Under Occupation
The UN official emphasized that the expansion of areas under Israeli control is further reducing the space available to civilians. This makes it imperative that humanitarian assistance is able to move safely and reach people in need without interference. Gaza's population has already endured immense suffering, he noted, and they cannot be subjected to further delays or disruptions in the delivery of life-saving assistance. Humanitarian organizations, Alakbarov reiterated, must be able to carry out their work safely, independently, impartially, and without fear of intimidation or violence.
Under international humanitarian law, all parties must respect and protect humanitarian personnel, facilities, and relief supplies. They must also refrain from actions that obstruct humanitarian operations. This legal framework is often invoked but systematically unenforced in the context of the ongoing military occupation.
Obstruction of Aid
The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, COGAT, also condemned the incident. COGAT asserted that the raid was part of a pattern of intimidation employed by a "terror group." This, COGAT wrote, "constitutes further clear evidence that Hamas cynically exploits the humanitarian space and the aid intended for the residents of the Gaza Strip for its own purposes." The Israeli body maintained that "the facts are clear: humanitarian aid is entering the Gaza Strip." However, COGAT claimed, "Hamas is the party undermining the distribution mechanisms, seizing humanitarian aid, and preventing it from reaching the civilian population."
Despite COGAT's assertions, the UN's Alakbarov highlighted the broader systemic challenges. He pointed to Israel's control as a fundamental impediment to aid delivery. The daily lived experience of Palestinians under occupation often involves significant hurdles for basic necessities, including food and medical supplies. The incident at the Abu Rashid point underscores the complex and often dangerous environment in which aid workers attempt to alleviate suffering, an environment shaped by both internal dynamics and the overarching reality of military occupation.