Firefight erupts between Hamas and bandits over Gaza aid trucks
Hamas has been involved in a prolonged firefight with bandits trying to loot aid trucks, as the terror organisation struggles to assert control over Gaza.
The incident, which took place near Rafah, began after a large aid vehicle broke down and was set upon by armed robbers.
Another stopped nearby, and graphic footage shows the bandits then turning their weapons on a force of Hamas fighters, who style themselves as police, as they approached.
The terror group faces the challenge of providing basic security and services to the people of Gaza, following large withdrawals of Israeli troops after Sunday’s ceasefire.
An armed Palestinian guards a truck laden with humanitarian aid, interference by gangsters who target such lorries has become an increasing problem in recent months – Ahmad Salem/Bloomberg
In the video, armed figures apparently from a bandit group can be seen running away from the two stationary lorries as a series of white SUVs and other vehicles approach under the crackle of heavy gunfire.
However, the subsequent gunfight continued for nearly 10 minutes, signalling their determination – or desperation – not to lose control of the truck and its contents.
One of the robbers could be seen with a rocket-propelled grenade.
Palestinian boys attempt to grab humanitarian aid from trucks arriving from Egypt via the Kerem Shalom crossing – Ahmad Salem/Bloomberg
The theft of humanitarian aid by gangsters has become an increasing problem in recent months, as the plight of the civilian population in the enclave worsens.
Previously it has been reported that the groups operated with such impunity that they did so within sight of IDF personnel near the restricted border zone.
After 100 lorries were robbed on Nov 16, Hamas reportedly reactivated a special security force to combat the problem, which is said to be substantially driven by a notorious Gazan criminal family.
This week’s incident took place against lorries that came from the Kerem Shalom crossing at the south of the Gaza strip.
Trucks carrying humanitarian aid have resumed travelling into Gaza following the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas – Anadolu
Ahmed Harb, a Palestinian from Rafah, witnessed the gunfight.
“Suddenly we heard gunfire,” he said. “We could see the young thieves roaming the area and we saw a broken-down truck parked in the street.
“There was a heavy exchange of gunfire – I was afraid of being hit.”
“This area is still dangerous.”
Hamas has reportedly reactivated a special security force to combat the problem of aid lorries being attacked by bandits – Anadolu
Hamas officials issued a statement following the shootings, saying: “We will continue to carry out our duties with all our strength, despite the loss of officers, personnel and capabilities, and in the coming days we will witness more measures that guarantee the security and stability of citizens.
“We call on citizens to fully co-operate with the competent authorities and adhere to the instructions issued by them – for the sake of their safety and the public interest.”
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