Archive · 25 Jul 2025
U.S. Analysis: No Evidence of Hamas Aid Theft, State Disagrees
The U.S. government checked if Hamas, the group ruling Gaza, was stealing food and supplies meant to help people there.
They looked at reports of missing aid.
The report says they found no evidence that Hamas was taking the aid.
However, the State Department disagrees and says there is evidence of Hamas stealing aid.
The Israeli military believes Hamas is taking aid.
There is disagreement over who is to blame for aid not reaching those who need it.
The aid is critical because many people in Gaza are facing starvation.
A U.S. government analysis found no evidence of Hamas systematically stealing U.S.-funded aid in Gaza.
The analysis reviewed 156 incidents of aid theft or loss reported by U.S. aid partners between October 2023 and May 2024.
The State Department disputes the findings, citing video evidence of Hamas looting aid (unspecified).
The Israeli military claims Hamas diverts aid, though the U.S. intelligence doesn't have reports of it.
At least 44 incidents of theft or loss were "directly or indirectly" due to Israeli military actions.
- Who
- The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Hamas, Israel, and various humanitarian organizations.
- What
- A U.S. analysis found no evidence of Hamas stealing aid, but there are differing views on the matter.
- When
- The analysis covered incidents from October 2023 to May 2024; the findings were completed in late June.
- Where
- Gaza
- Why
- To determine if Hamas was diverting humanitarian aid intended for Gazans, amidst ongoing conflict and aid shortages.
USAID Analysis
State Department/Israel
Aid Theft
USAID Analysis
Found no evidence of systematic Hamas theft of U.S.-funded aid.
State Department/Israel
Hamas has been stealing aid.
Responsibility for lost aid
USAID Analysis
At least 44 of the incidents of theft or loss were linked to Israeli actions.
State Department/Israel
Hamas is responsible for aid diversion.
- Analysis Source
- USAID Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (BHA)
- Incidents Reviewed
- 156
- Timeframe
- October 2023 - May 2024
- Hamas' Stance
- Denies the allegations of aid theft
- Israeli Military Stance
- Accuses Hamas of aid diversion, up to 25% of aid.
- Aid Group Reporting
- Required to report losses/thefts to receive U.S. funds