Even Infant Formula Seized: "Hamas Loots UNICEF Aid Trucks"

Four UNICEF Trucks Attacked by Armed Men

In December 2023, as the war between Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas escalated, residents lined up to receive free food in Rafah, Gaza Strip. Photo by AP Yonhap News

A United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) aid truck carrying infant formula and other supplies was looted in Gaza City, the largest city in the Gaza Strip, where Israeli forces are conducting ground operations.

According to statements from UNICEF and the Israeli military on the 19th (local time), four UNICEF trucks preparing to deliver ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) for children were approached by armed men right in front of the UNICEF compound in Gaza City the previous day. The assailants held the drivers at gunpoint, kidnapped them, diverted the RUTF to another location, and then released the drivers.

UNICEF stated, "At least 2,700 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition will now be unable to receive RUTF," and urged, "All residents of the Gaza Strip must respect and protect humanitarian aid."

In connection with the incident, the Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the Israeli Defense Ministry's agency responsible for Palestinian affairs, issued a statement blaming the Palestinian armed group Hamas for the looting. COGAT condemned, "Hamas terrorists brazenly seized trucks carrying infant formula," and criticized, "This once again proves that Hamas cares nothing for the well-being of residents and is only interested in its terrorist objectives."

COGAT further pointed out, "UNICEF referred to them as 'armed men' rather than 'Hamas terrorists,'" and questioned, "Why does the United Nations shield Hamas?"