CNN uses false report to exonerate Hamas from stealing aid

In Gaza, a significant controversy arose after CNN anchor Pamela Brown referenced a discredited report by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) during a discussion with Chapin Fay, a spokesperson for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The discussion included allegations that Hamas systematically steals aid distributed in the region. Brown claimed that the USAID report indicated no widespread theft by Hamas, citing an internal analysis that supposedly cleared the organization of such wrongdoings. However, it was later revealed that this report had been conducted by career staffers and lacked the validation of the agency’s independent inspector general. Reliable sources associated with the USAID inspector general indicated that there was indeed substantial evidence to the contrary; Hamas was claimed to have commandeered U.N. aid trucks and ensured that crucial humanitarian supplies were delivered directly to its officials. Reports from various whistleblowers and aid workers corroborated these allegations, highlighting serious instances of theft and corruption that undermine humanitarian efforts in Gaza. The context of these claims is vital as they showcase the ongoing complexities surrounding aid distribution in conflict zones. As the situation continues to evolve, the realities on the ground further complicate perceptions. Moreover, the Gaza Health Ministry, known to have ties to Hamas, claimed a recent fatal incident during aid distribution was caused by the use of tear gas by aid workers. This assertion has been met with skepticism, particularly from Fay, who emphasized that GHF does not employ tear gas. The involvement of Hamas in exacerbating the plight of its own citizens remains a critical issue, described by officials such as COGAT head Maj. Gen. Ghassan Alian, who condemned the organization’s tactics of oppression, indicating that Hamas uses violence and terror to maintain its control over the civilian population. Israel's Defense Ministry has also released videos illustrating the brutal treatment that Gazans endure from Hamas as a reminder of the humanitarian crisis overshadowed by the violence. The cruel tactics utilized by Hamas not only draw attention but also invoke fear, leading to wider implications for the local population transgressed upon by the ruling terror group. The inclusion of these disturbing revelations adds another layer to the already distressing narrative surrounding aid and humanitarian efforts in Gaza.