UNICEF is once again accusing Israel of blocking humanitarian supplies to Gaza. The agency recently alleged that Israel prevented one million syringes, baby formula, and other essential medical items from entering the Strip. Israeli authorities say the claim is false, unsupported by any coordination records, and contradicted by UNICEF’s own past reporting.
UNICEF Made Public Accusations It Never Raised in Official Channels
COGAT, Israel’s humanitarian coordination body, stated on November 11 that Israel does not restrict infant formula, syringes, refrigeration equipment, or medical supplies of any kind. “Claims that Israel restricts baby food or medical equipment are completely FALSE,” the agency wrote.
(Source: COGAT, Nov 11)
COGAT also confirmed that UNICEF never brought this alleged problem to the daily CMCC aid coordination meeting, the only forum where humanitarian requests are submitted and resolved. UNICEF’s accusation appeared publicly for the first time in media statements rather than through the established coordination process.
Hamas, Not Israel, Caused Infant Formula Shortages
In September, Hamas terrorists hijacked four UNICEF trucks that were carrying infant formula intended for roughly 2,700 babies in Gaza City. The incident was reported by JNS. UNICEF did not acknowledge this theft in its recent claim and did not attribute supply shortages to Hamas’s armed seizure of aid.
UNICEF’s Updated Data Contradicted Its Own Famine Warnings
UNICEF has played a major role in spreading claims of impending famine in Gaza. But on September 17, the agency released an expanded, age-weighted MUAC dataset showing that acute malnutrition in Gaza City peaked at approximately 14.8 percent. The international famine threshold is 15 percent.
(Source: JNS; UNICEF dataset)
Analysts cited by The Erin Molan Show and OSINT613 noted that the earlier IPC famine alert relied on unweighted numbers and a narrow two-week sample that overstated malnutrition rates. The full, age-weighted dataset showed that Gaza did not meet famine criteria.
Aid Crossings Into Gaza Remain Open
Israel continues to facilitate humanitarian access into Gaza. On November 12, Israel reopened the Zikim Crossing in northern Gaza to increase the flow of aid supplies, including medical and nutritional items.
(Source: Times of Israel)
Experts Warn About Misinformation
The American Jewish Committee stated that “the humanitarian situation has been undermined by false reporting and inflammatory statements.”
JNS reported: “Hamas terrorists commandeered four UNICEF trucks carrying infant formula in Gaza City in September, robbing aid at gunpoint and depriving 2,700 babies of food.”
UNICEF’s latest accusation does not match the documented facts. Israel does not restrict baby formula or medical supplies. UNICEF never raised the issue in the coordination forum designed to resolve such matters. Hamas has stolen UNICEF trucks carrying formula for infants. And UNICEF’s own updated data contradicts earlier famine warnings.
The record shows a pattern of misinformation that distorts the humanitarian picture while ignoring the actions of Hamas.
