Recent reports from UN agencies indicate that a significant portion of aid delivered to the crisis-stricken Gaza Strip has been misappropriated within Palestinian territory. UNOPS facilitates administrative services for unique humanitarian efforts worldwide.
In the meantime, Israel’s criticism of Gaza’s escalating hunger crisis is intensifying, with more Western governments expressing their intent to recognize a Palestinian state as a form of punishment. This reaction has led a number of media outlets to synchronize their efforts with both international humanitarian organizations and Hamas.
“There’s not really any complexity in this conflict; it’s not a situation that allows for multiple truths. This seems to be why everyone, from journalists to NGOs, echoes a singular narrative that asserts there’s no theft of aid and that it’s all Israel’s fault,” explained Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council.
A recent US report calls for the closure of UN agencies linked to Hamas following the events of October 7th.
Alkhatib, who was born in Gaza, believes that there’s been some “politicization” in overlooking mistakes while attempting to safeguard financial resources. He also mentioned that Hamas has accused Israeli leaders of exaggerating the situation regarding aid losses. As someone closely observing Gaza, he highlighted the rampant theft and soaring prices driven by residents and vendors contributing to the ongoing challenges faced there.
He further criticized statements from certain Israeli government figures proposing to cut off aid as a means to drive Gazans out, suggesting that such rhetoric lacks factual basis.
“The narrative being spun doesn’t align with the reality. No matter how much evidence or explanation is presented, it just doesn’t catch the attention it deserves,” Alkhatib stated.
Farhan Aziz Hak, speaking for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, remarked that in recent months, very few among the hungry have turned to the aid supply directly managed by them. “We understand the frustration, but let’s be clear: our system isn’t at fault here. It’s about the inadequate routes for aid after extended periods without support,” he argued. “Only a consistent and efficient flow of aid can rebuild people’s confidence that help will arrive and can be distributed safely.”
According to data released by UNOPS, approximately 87% of the 2,013 aid trucks that entered Gaza since May 19 have not reached their intended destinations.
Israel has announced a prompt reinstatement of aid drops to Gaza in light of the growing hunger crisis.
On May 31 alone, a record 90 trucks delivering around 1,695 tons of aid were reported stolen, illustrating the dire conditions with distressing images of suffering Palestinian children circulating.
The UN’s flawed aid distribution system was designed to prevent aid from getting into the hands of Hamas amid global condemnation of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The agency did not collaborate with the GHF, which claimed to have supplied nearly 105 million meals in Gaza since launching its operations in May.
This stands in contrast to several media reports stating that Hamas has ignored evidence of its aid thefts, allegedly selling it to fund its conflicts. Israel supports these claims.
Some reports have noted that even the New York Times detailed instances where Hamas reportedly stole UN aid, as confirmed by several released Israeli hostages who described seeing unbranded supplies in Hamas tunnels.
Cobi Michael, a senior researcher at the National Security Institute in Tel Aviv, criticized various human rights organizations and media outlets for misrepresenting information from Hamas-managed Gaza’s Ministry of Health, arguing that they overlook the inherent nature of Hamas.
“Hamas is simply not a trustworthy source,” he asserted, adding that international media often fail to recognize Hamas’ ambition for disarray within Gaza.
Background on the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which is receiving US support.
“It’s crucial to pay attention to what Hamas leaders have been declaring since October 7,” Michael continued. “They have made it clear they would have no qualms sacrificing numerous Palestinian civilians for their supposed victory.”
Despite this, the GHF is under scrutiny for its accountability regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, especially as reports of chaotic aid distribution emerge, often linked with violence. The agency contends that it hopes for its initiative to succeed to prevent Hamas and other bodies from seizing control over Gaza’s aid operations.
Recently, US Special Envoy Steve Witkov and US Ambassador Mike Huckabee visited a GHF distribution site in southern Gaza.
“Today I saw a humanitarian food program by the US. Hamas detests the GHF because it channels food to people, in stark contrast to the aid that is getting looted,” Witkov remarked.
David Makovsky, a director in a project focused on Arab-Israeli relations, suggested that the crisis needs to be viewed from a balanced perspective, stating that “creating a UN record could allow for a more level discussion.”
The resolution on GHF is still pending, but it’s clear that in a humanitarian emergency, the UN and GHF must collaborate to assist those in need.
“By ensuring a substantial food supply to Gaza, we hope to aid innocent civilians and significantly lower the black market rates exploited by Hamas to exercise control over the population,” Makovsky concluded.
