CENTCOM Claims Hamas Looted Gaza Aid; Office Denies

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has accused Hamas of looting a truck carrying international humanitarian aid in Gaza, a claim swiftly denied by the Gaza government and Hamas officials. CENTCOM stated that a U.S.-led Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) observed “suspected Hamas operatives” seizing aid from a convoy traveling in northern Khan Younis. A drone surveillance video was released as part of the assertion, showing the convoy halted and the driver reportedly moved to a road divider while aid was taken.

CENTCOM described the convoy as part of coordinated humanitarian deliveries involving “nearly 40 countries and international organizations.” Officials said the incident was under observation as part of monitoring ceasefire agreements in the region.

In response, the Gaza Government Media Office called the allegations “entirely false,” asserting that local police forces were actively protecting the convoy rather than looting it. They challenged the credibility of the CENTCOM video, noting that no exact time or location was provided, and emphasized that only around 22 international organizations currently operate in Gaza due to restrictions.

Hamas echoed these denials, labeling the U.S. claims “unfounded” and “politically motivated,” asserting that no reports of looting had been filed by aid organizations or truck drivers. The group further accused CENTCOM of fabricating evidence to justify reductions in aid flows and align with what they called “the Israeli narrative.” Hamas also stressed that Palestinian security personnel had been risking their lives to protect aid convoys, with significant casualties reported among their ranks.

Previous analyses, including a USAID review, found no evidence of systematic theft of U.S.-funded humanitarian aid by Hamas, noting that most reported losses were linked to the ongoing conflict, including Israeli military operations, rather than the group itself.

The conflicting narratives highlight the challenges of monitoring humanitarian aid in Gaza, where security, political tensions, and competing claims over responsibility complicate relief efforts. International organizations continue to call for transparent aid distribution and the protection of convoys to ensure critical supplies reach those in need.

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