An internal analysis conducted by a division of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has revealed no evidence of systematic theft by Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, of humanitarian supplies funded by the U.S. This challenges the primary justification given by Israel and the U.S. for supporting a new armed private aid initiative.
The analysis, completed in late June and based on 156 incidents of reported theft or loss of U.S.-funded supplies between October 2023 and May, did not find any reports implicating Hamas in benefiting from these supplies, according to findings seen by Reuters.
While the U.S. State Department spokesperson disputed these findings, alleging video evidence of Hamas looting aid without providing such evidence, they also accused traditional humanitarian groups of concealing “aid corruption.”
The White House spokesperson, Anna Kelly, cast doubt on the existence of the analysis, suggesting it was likely crafted by a “deep state operative” to undermine President Donald Trump’s humanitarian efforts. The findings were shared with the USAID’s inspector general’s office and State Department officials involved in Middle East policy.
Israel maintains its commitment to allowing aid into Gaza but asserts the need for control to prevent theft by Hamas, whom they hold responsible for the crisis. However, a recent report by the New York Times cited Israeli officials stating there was no evidence of systematic aid theft by Hamas from UN-run distribution sites.
The UN World Food Program reports that nearly a quarter of Gaza’s 2.1 million residents face famine-like conditions, with thousands suffering acute malnutrition. The World Health Organization and local doctors have reported deaths due to starvation, including among children.
The study conducted by USAID’s Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) found that Israeli military actions directly or indirectly contributed to at least 44 of the 156 incidents of aid theft or loss. The aid organizations have been required to report such incidents to receive U.S. funding.
Despite these findings, the analysis noted limitations, including the potential diversion of aid to Hamas administrative officials due to the inability to vet aid recipients. While no widespread diversion by Hamas was reported, sources caution that it does not rule out the possibility.
The conflict in Gaza, which erupted after Hamas attacked Israel in 2023, has resulted in significant casualties and humanitarian crises. Israel accuses Hamas of diverting aid for its benefit, a claim Hamas denies, alleging Israeli military actions have hindered aid distribution.
The analysis also highlighted challenges faced by aid organizations in Gaza, such as over-reporting of aid diversion, difficulty in attributing theft incidents, and the impact of Israeli military actions on aid deliveries. The dismantling of USAID has posed obstacles to accessing classified intelligence on aid theft incidents involving Hamas.
In conclusion, the analysis sheds light on the complex dynamics surrounding humanitarian aid in Gaza and the challenges faced by aid organizations amidst the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis.