Fact Check: Hamas systematically steals and resells food aid intended for starving Gazans, effectively exploiting humanitarian relief to fund its operations and terror network.

Fact-Check: "Hamas systematically steals and resells food aid intended for starving Gazans, effectively exploiting humanitarian relief to fund its operations and terror network."

What We Know

The claim that Hamas systematically steals and resells food aid has been a point of contention, particularly in the context of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Various sources have reported conflicting information regarding the extent of Hamas's involvement in the diversion of aid.

Israeli Claims: The Israeli government has consistently accused Hamas of stealing humanitarian aid to fund its operations. These claims are often cited in reports and statements from Israeli officials, asserting that Hamas diverts aid meant for civilians (The New York Times).
U.S. Government Findings: A recent analysis by USAID found no evidence of widespread theft of humanitarian aid by Hamas, contradicting the narrative pushed by Israeli officials. This analysis was part of a broader review that aimed to assess the situation on the ground (Reuters, NBC News).
Local Conditions: Reports indicate that while there are instances of aid being hoarded and resold by gangs and merchants in Gaza, it is unclear how much of this is directly attributable to Hamas. The chaotic conditions surrounding aid distribution have led to significant challenges, with many residents relying on informal markets where aid is sold at inflated prices (AP News).
Media Reporting: Investigative reports have noted that major media outlets, including The New York Times, have repeated Israeli claims about Hamas's theft of aid without sufficient evidence, leading to accusations of bias in reporting (The Intercept).

Analysis

The evidence surrounding the claim that Hamas systematically steals and resells food aid is mixed and requires careful consideration of the sources involved.

Credibility of Sources: The Israeli government has a vested interest in portraying Hamas in a negative light, particularly in the context of ongoing military operations. This can lead to potential bias in their claims. Conversely, the USAID analysis and reports from independent news organizations like the AP and NBC provide a more nuanced view, suggesting that while there are issues with aid distribution, attributing these solely to Hamas may oversimplify the situation.
Local Dynamics: The chaotic environment in Gaza, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict, has led to the emergence of gangs and merchants who exploit the dire circumstances. This indicates that while there may be instances of aid being diverted, they are not necessarily orchestrated by Hamas itself. Instead, these actions may be more opportunistic, driven by the desperation of the population (AP News).
Contradicting Evidence: The findings from USAID and other U.S. government analyses challenge the narrative that Hamas is systematically stealing aid. These reports emphasize that there is no substantial evidence to support claims of organized theft by Hamas, which raises questions about the validity of the accusations made by Israeli officials (NBC News, CNN).

Conclusion

The claim that "Hamas systematically steals and resells food aid intended for starving Gazans" is Partially True. While there are credible reports of aid being hoarded and sold in the chaotic environment of Gaza, the assertion that this is a systematic operation orchestrated by Hamas lacks robust evidence. The situation is complicated by the presence of gangs and the dire humanitarian crisis, which creates opportunities for exploitation that are not directly linked to Hamas's actions. Thus, while some aid diversion occurs, attributing it solely to Hamas oversimplifies a complex issue.