Hamas accused of stealing aid and selling it on the black market in Gaza

In Gaza, U.S. officials Mike Huckabee, Ambassador to Israel, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff visited sites of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) to assess the conditions of aid distribution amidst ongoing humanitarian concerns. Their visit aimed to provide President Donald Trump with a clearer understanding of the situation and contribute to a plan for delivering essential food and medical aid to the population suffering due to the ongoing conflict and management issues in the region. Witkoff expressed on social media that the observation of food programs implemented by GHF was crucial, highlighting that Hamas opposes the organization due to its effectiveness in distributing aid without interference or looting. The organization had recently celebrated the delivery of its 100 millionth meal, marking a significant milestone in its humanitarian efforts. Both officials pointed out that the humanitarian landscape in Gaza is extremely complicated, attributing much of the mess to the actions of Hamas, which has been accused of obstructing aid deliveries and looting supplies intended for the needy. Huckabee further dismissed allegations against the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) regarding random attacks on Palestinians and asserted there was substantial evidence of Hamas's involvement in exploiting humanitarian aid. He cited alarming instances of aid being sold on the black market, with a 4-kilogram bag of sugar priced at around $200. This situation underlined the ongoing difficulties faced by international organizations trying to deliver assistance effectively, compounded by the activities of local factions. The visit and subsequent statements have sparked discussions regarding the role of the United Nations, which has raised concerns about the safety and preparedness of GHF's operations. Huckabee, however, urged the U.N. to acknowledge the effectiveness of GHF's distribution system, emphasizing that humanitarian efforts should focus on direct aid without conditions or potential for coercion. In a broader context, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed there is no policy of starvation in Gaza, asserting a commitment to addressing the humanitarian challenges while holding Hamas responsible for food shortages. As efforts continue to alleviate the crisis by working with organizations like GHF, the need for a reliable and secure means of delivering aid remains paramount.