Hamas strikes Gaza aid locations and demands payment from Palestinians for used ammunition - report

One source also said that Hamas had been smuggling various goods inside trucks belonging to aid organizations, as well as commercial ones, in order to generate funds.

Humanitarian aid enters Gaza through the Rafah border crossing, in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, on June 10, 2026.

(photo credit: ABED RAHIM KHATIB/FLASH90)

ByTZVI JASPER

JULY 20, 2026 10:28

Hamas has repeatedly targeted food distribution locations across the Gaza Strip, seizing supplies and intimidating residents, according to Palestinian accounts given to The Telegraph in a report released on Saturday.

In one case, an anonymous Gazan civilian described armed Hamas fighters waiting near a shelter for displaced women, children, and elderly individuals when a group of men requested they relocate to avoid drawing fire to the site.

The group departed but returned in larger numbers. They forced their way into the shelter, fired shots that spread panic among the women and children, and detained several people.

The source added that the Hamas fighters declined to free the detained civilians until compensated for the ammunition expended, totaling around NIS 24,500.

Another source noted that Hamas had been smuggling various goods inside trucks belonging to aid organizations, as well as commercial ones, in order to generate funds.

While the exact method of concealment remains unclear, it is believed that these items are often loaded at warehouses in the countries of origin, while merchants bribe officials to include illicit goods during the packing process, the source told The Telegraph.

Hamas attacks WFP humanitarian aid site

Last week, Hamas fighters entered the warehouse at the Abu Rashid food distribution point in Jabalia, operated by the World Food Programme, and assaulted two drivers delivering humanitarian supplies, according to the UN.

Stating that he strongly condemned the incident, United Nations Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov noted a dangerous pattern of intimidation, violence and obstruction, including smuggling attempts, targeting and abusing humanitarian operations carried out by the de facto authorities.

Though Hamas went unnamed in the statement, Alakbarov identified Israels expansive control of the territory as a major threat to humanitarian supplies in the Palestinian territory.

Danielle Greyman-Kennard contributed to this report.