Report: "The U.S. Agency for International Development" Found No Evidence of Systematic Theft of Aid by "Hamas"

SadaNews - An internal analysis conducted by the U.S. government found no evidence that the "Hamas" movement systematically stole humanitarian supplies funded by the United States, casting doubt on the main argument presented by Israel and Washington in support of a new armed assistance mechanism, according to the "Reuters" news agency.

The analysis, which was not previously published, was conducted by a bureau under the "U.S. Agency for International Development" and completed in late June. It examined 156 reported incidents of theft or loss of U.S.-funded supplies, which were reported by partner American aid organizations from October 2023 to May of this year.

According to slides summarizing the findings, reviewed by "Reuters," the analysis found "no reports alleging that (Hamas)" benefited from U.S.-funded supplies.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State denied the validity of these findings, asserting that there is photographic evidence of "Hamas" looting aid, but no videos were provided. The spokesperson accused traditional humanitarian organizations of covering up "aid corruption."

Two sources familiar with the matter stated that the findings were delivered to the office of the inspector general of the "U.S. Agency for International Development" and to relevant officials in the State Department dealing with Middle East policy, at a time when the sharp food shortage in the devastated sector escalates.

Israel states that it is committed to allowing aid to enter but must control it to prevent its theft by "Hamas." Israel holds the movement responsible for the crisis.

The "World Food Programme" of the United Nations indicates that nearly a quarter of Gaza's population of 2.1 million people faces conditions resembling famine, with thousands suffering from acute malnutrition. The "World Health Organization" and doctors in the sector report the deaths of children and others due to hunger.

United Nations estimates also indicate that Israeli forces have killed more than a thousand people who were seeking food supplies, most of them near military distribution sites belonging to the "Gaza Humanitarian Foundation," a new charity organization that uses a for-profit American logistics company run by a former CIA officer and armed veterans of the U.S. military.

The analysis was conducted by the humanitarian assistance bureau of the "U.S. Agency for International Development," which was the largest funder of aid to Gaza before the administration of President Donald Trump froze all U.S. foreign aid in January, thereby ending thousands of programs.

The administration also began dismantling the "U.S. Agency for International Development," whose functions were integrated into the State Department.

According to the summary presentation slides, the analysis concluded that at least 44 out of 156 reported incidents of theft or loss of aid supplies were "directly or indirectly" due to Israeli military actions.

The analysis pointed out a vulnerability: since the Palestinians receiving aid cannot be verified, it is possible that U.S.-funded supplies could go to administrative officials in "Hamas," the individuals managing the Gaza Strip.

A source familiar with the analysis also warned that the absence of reports about widespread diversion of aid by "Hamas" "does not mean that such diversion did not occur."

The war in Gaza began after "Hamas" led an attack on Israel in October 2023, which Israeli statistics say resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the capture of 251 hostages. According to Palestinian health officials, nearly 60,000 Palestinians have been killed since the commencement of the Israeli campaign.