The distribution centers of the much-criticized new aid system for the Gaza Strip were mired in new chaos Monday, amid accusations and denials that Hamas had threatened over the weekend to attack workers for the Israeli-backed group handing out food supplies.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which was set up to bypass the traditional aid distribution system run by the United Nations, said Saturday that some of its workers had been threatened by Hamas, the militant group that led the attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and controls Gaza.

On Monday, Hamas denied the accusations and accused the aid group of lacking neutrality.

Shootings near aid distribution centers have killed dozens of people and wounded hundreds since the foundation began operations at the end of May. The Israeli military has acknowledged firing near people who had deviated from “designated access routes” and who did not respond to verbal warnings. Gaza health officials say dozens of Palestinians have been killed trying to get aid.

— The New York Times