UN ‘intimidates’ NGOs who work with new aid organisation: Israel

Israel has accused the UN of using ‘intimidation’ to stop NGOs from working with a new US-backed aid foundation and blamed Hamas for orchestrating riots at distribution sites.

Palestinians carry bags of flour after storming a U.N. World Food Program warehouse in Zawaida, Central Gaza Strip, on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Israel has blamed Hamas for the pandemonium at two food distribution sites in Gaza on Tuesday (local time) and accused the United Nations of using “intimidation” to stop NGOs from working with a new US-backed foundation.

After Palestinians on Wednesday stormed a UN food warehouse and the previous day overran two distribution sites set up by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, Israel’s United Nations Ambassador Danny Danon told the Security Council: “While the UN spreads panic and makes declarations detached from reality, the state of Israel is steadily facilitating the entry of aid into Gaza.”

Accusing Hamas of setting up roadblocks and checkpoints to block access to the distribution centre, Mr Danon also claimed the UN was “trying to block” the aid.

The United Nations “is using threats, intimidation and retaliation against NGOs that choose to participate in the new humanitarian mechanism,” he said.

A man gestures with a thumbs up as he ferries a bag of food aid while others rush to get a share after people stormed a World Food Programme warehouse in Deir el-Balah. Picture: AFP.

Mr Danon said aid was entering Gaza by trucks – under limited authorisation by Israel at the Kerem Shalom crossing since last week following the blockade – and via a “new distribution mechanism developed in co-ordination with the US and key international partners.”

The pandemonium surrounding the launch of the GHF distribution of aid came amid widespread criticism of the organisation, which oversees the new system of aid distribution that aims to feed up to 600,000 Palestinians a week via four major food distribution centres.

Israeli media reports that as the first two distribution sites opened, Hamas threatened Palestinians they would “pay the price” if they co-operated with the organisation, and tried to prevent Gazan residents from reaching the aid points.

The group told Palestinians to stay home, claiming Israel was using the company to collect intelligence information.

“Do not go to Rafah. Do not fall into the trap. Do not risk your lives. Your homes are your fortress. Staying in your neighbourhoods is survival, and awareness is your protection,” a statement published by the Hamas-linked Home Front said.

Channel 12 and Israel’s state broadcaster Kan TV report that militants placed barriers to block access to the distribution sites in the southern city of Rafah and told Gazans Israelis were arresting residents near those areas.

It was frustration at these illicit checkpoints, not at the aid workers, that led to thousands of Palestinians forcing their way into the distribution centres, Kan TV reported.

The foundation said its military contractors guarding the site did not open fire on the rioters, while the Israeli military said it only fired warning shots. A Red Cross field hospital said 48 people presented with gunshot wounds, including women and children.

Palestinians ferry bags of food aid in Deir el-Balah. Picture: AFP.

Mr Danon specifically accused the United Nations of having removed NGOs working with the GHF from a database listing groups working in Gaza, an accusation rejected by the UN.

“There are no differences between the current list and the one from before the launch of the GHF,” Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said.

But the UN reiterated its opposition to co-ordinating with GHF. “We will not participate in operations that do not meet our humanitarian principles,” insisted Mr Dujarric.

He also said the UN was doing all it could to gather the aid arriving through Kerem Shalom.

Since last week 800 truckloads were approved by Israel but fewer than 500 made it into Gaza, according to Mr Dujarric.

“We and our partners could collect just over 200 of them, limited by insecurity and restricted access,” he said.

“If we’re not able to pick up those goods, I can tell you one thing, it is not for lack of trying.”

Mr Danon said “more than 400 trucks” full of aid were already on the Gaza side of the crossing and that Israel had provided “safe routes” for the distribution.

“But the UN did not show up,” the Israeli envoy said. “Put your ego aside, pick up the aid and do your job.”

AFP