Report Challenges Accusations Against Hamas in Aid Theft Scandal
An internal U.S. government analysis found no systematic theft of U.S.-funded humanitarian supplies by Hamas, contradicting claims from Israel and the U.S. The study reviewed 156 incidents of theft or loss, finding no evidence of Hamas benefiting. The findings spark debate amid Gaza's severe humanitarian crisis.
A recent internal analysis by the U.S. government debunks the widespread allegations that the Palestinian militant group Hamas systematically stole U.S.-funded humanitarian aid. This contradicts the claims made by both Israel and the United States, serving as the foundation for a new armed private aid operation.
The unreported study, conducted by a bureau within USAID, scrutinized 156 cases where aid supplies were lost or stolen over several months. It identified no incidents involving Hamas profiting from U.S.-supplied aid, a revelation that disputes the primary narrative used to justify control over aid distributions in the region.
This analysis arrives amidst a dire situation in Gaza, where severe food shortages are prevalent. International and local bodies report acute malnutrition and starvation in the enclave. Despite the findings, some sources suggest that the absence of documented instances doesn't negate the potential of aid diversion by Hamas.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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