ERUSALEM — As the humanitarian crisis deepens in Gaza, Israeli officials are now accusing Hamas of actively obstructing aid efforts meant to reach civilians in desperate need.

In a recent statement, Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer said that Hamas has increased efforts to prevent the direct distribution of food and essential supplies to Gazans, despite the aid being delivered and staged for pickup inside the territory.

“Hamas, on the other hand, has stepped up its efforts to prevent direct distribution of this food and aid to Gazans,” Mencer stated. “This is further proof of Hamas’s cruelty.”

The accusation comes amid reports that over 950 truckloads of aid are currently inside Gaza, awaiting safe distribution by international humanitarian organizations. However, access to this aid continues to be restricted due to security concerns, logistical challenges, and, according to Israel, Hamas’s interference.

Israeli officials have long argued that Hamas diverts or blocks humanitarian assistance in order to exert control over the civilian population, sometimes using aid as leverage or for propaganda purposes.

Human rights groups have urged all sides to facilitate safe and uninterrupted delivery of aid to prevent further deterioration of civilian conditions in the region. The United Nations and various NGOs continue to call for humanitarian corridors and neutral ground for distribution.

The statement from Israel highlights the ongoing challenges facing relief efforts in the region and further fuels the debate over the true impact of Hamas’s governance on the people of Gaza.