Israel says Hamas ‘brazenly robbed’ UNICEF aid trucks containing baby formula

Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories says Hamas gunmen “brazenly robbed” four UNICEF aid trucks carrying baby formula in Gaza City yesterday.

“The trucks were commandeered right outside the UNICEF compound in Gaza City, a direct assault on humanitarian work,” COGAT says in a statement.

UNICEF put out their own statement saying “armed individuals” commandeered four aid trucks outside their compound at gunpoint, and diverted the contents elsewhere, before releasing the drivers and the trucks.

“This theft has denied at least 2,700 severely and acutely malnourished children of life-saving RUTF (Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food) — 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 says.

COGAT says that “while Israel allows the entry of vital baby food into Gaza, Hamas steals it to profit from the public.”

“This formula was meant to be distributed for free by UNICEF. Once again, Hamas proves that it has no interest in the well-being of the people, only in its own terror motives,” COGAT adds.