USAID report debunks claims of Hamas diverting humanitarian aid
- USAID officials analyzed over 150 reported incidents of U.S.-funded aid theft or loss in Gaza.
- The findings refute previous claims made by the Trump administration regarding Hamas's involvement in aid diversion.
- Consequently, the report challenges the justification for measures taken to limit humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
In Gaza, an analysis conducted by officials from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) examined over 150 incidents reported since October 2023 regarding the theft or loss of U.S.-funded humanitarian aid. The findings, which were shared in a presentation reviewed by ABC News, determined that there was no evidence supporting claims that Hamas, the ruling entity in Gaza, systematically diverted aid intended for the population. This analysis directly challenges claims made by the Trump administration, which previously asserted that Hamas frequently interfered with aid distribution. The report was compiled prior to the cessation of USAID's independent operations on July 1, following significant cuts by the Trump administration which resulted in an 80% reduction in its programs. These circumstances led to the remainder of their operations being transitioned to the U.S. Department of State. Despite the findings from USAID, conflicting statements arose from Israel regarding aid distribution in Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) refuted the report, stating it neglected to acknowledge evidence suggesting that Hamas exploits humanitarian assistance to sustain their military capabilities. This assertion was supported by the IDF's claim of a need to direct aid deliveries based on operational assessments for protecting humanitarian workers and materials. Furthermore, a spokesperson for the State Department criticized media coverage that they felt trivialized Hamas’s actions, insisting that a considerable amount of aid had been diverted or improperly distributed. These allegations have continued even amidst pleas from a coalition of over 100 organizations who warned of mass starvation affecting populations in Gaza, claiming that supplies had become perilously low. The Gaza conflict escalated significantly when Hamas executed a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in numerous fatalities and hostages, which heightened tensions and contributed to the current humanitarian crisis in the region.