Hamas attacks humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza

In Gaza, late Wednesday night, a projectile launched from the Khan Yunis area struck near a humanitarian aid distribution point close to the Morag Corridor in Rafah, about 250 meters away from the actual site. The incident was condemned by the Israel Defense Forces, labeling it part of a pattern of attempts by Hamas to undermine humanitarian assistance activities in the region. Despite this attack, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which is supported by the United States, successfully continued its operations on Thursday, delivering tens of thousands of food packages to vulnerable families as part of its broader mission. This organization continues to address the escalating humanitarian needs in Gaza, having already provided nearly 89 million meals since late May, with more than 2.2 million meals delivered on the day of the projectile attack alone. The situation surrounding humanitarian aid in Gaza is further complicated by criticisms aimed at the United Nations for its inadequate distribution of the aid delivered. Israeli officials have reported that approximately 950 fully loaded aid trucks entered Gaza with approval from Israeli authorities, yet the supplies have reportedly remained unused, largely attributed to inaction by U.N. authorities. Critics, including representatives from GHF, have accused Hamas and the U.N. of spreading misinformation and being inefficient in their handling of aid delivery efforts, despite the presence of significant aid resources in the area. Johnnie Moore, the chairman of GHF, urged the U.N. to better understand the differences between access limitations and operational challenges, asserting that many delays are not due to restrictions imposed by Israel but rather result from Hamas diverting aid supplies. GHF has expressed its willingness to provide security assistance for additional aid convoys and collaborate with both the U.N. and other organizations to hasten relief efforts in Gaza. Meanwhile, U.N. officials acknowledge the presence of the aid trucks but cite concerns regarding security and logistics as significant barriers to effective distribution, especially for programs like those operated by GHF, which may be situated in areas impacted by terrorist activity, putting both civilians and aid workers at risk.