Humanitarian aid trucks carrying baby formula through the Gaza Strip were robbed by armed terrorists, both UNICEF and Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) confirmed on Friday.
While UNICEF named the parties only as “armed individuals,” COGAT announced that Hamas had robbed the aid trucks.
Robbing aid drivers at gunpoint
“Yesterday, armed individuals approached four trucks outside our compound in Gaza City that were getting ready to transport desperately needed Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) for malnourished children enduring famine,” UNICEF shared in a Friday statement. “The individuals commandeered the drivers at gunpoint and diverted the RUTF before releasing the drivers and trucks.
“This theft has denied at least 2,700 severely and acutely malnourished children of life-saving RUTF – vital supplies at a time when famine has been declared in the north of Gaza and the ongoing military operation is creating further displacement and adding to the devastating impact on children.
“UNICEF urges all in Gaza to respect and protect humanitarian aid and uphold international humanitarian law.
“Children are bearing the heaviest burden. Ultimately, a sustainable ceasefire is essential to create an environment where such incidents no longer occur, and aid can reach those who need it most – safely, quickly, and effectively.”
COGAT shared that the trucks were commandeered outside the UNICEF headquarters in Gaza City and accused the UN of covering for Hamas by refusing to name the terror group as responsible for the robbery.