Federal Investigators Compile Evidence of Systematic Hamas Aid Theft, Undercutting Leaked USAID 'Report'

A top U.S. oversight agency is gathering substantial evidence that Hamas has systematically stolen and redirected United Nations aid in Gaza, including by placing its members inside U.N. facilities. These findings directly challenge a recently leaked USAID report that claimed there was no evidence of such theft.

According to U.S. officials and congressional staff, the USAID Inspector General’s Office is conducting multiple active investigations into Hamas’s manipulation of humanitarian assistance. Incidents under review include Hamas hijacking U.N. aid trucks, embedding operatives in U.N. agencies, and ensuring deliveries went straight to Hamas personnel.

A memo sent to Congress outlines credible reports of interference, smuggling, fraud, and other misconduct that have compromised aid meant for civilians. Despite USAID being shut down earlier this year under the Trump administration, its Inspector General’s Office remains independent and continues oversight of U.S. foreign aid programs.

These investigations contradict a leaked internal USAID report—compiled by career staff and based largely on U.N. sources—which concluded in June that there was no evidence of Hamas systematically stealing aid. That report, released just before the agency was dissolved, did not involve the inspector general and is being criticized for relying solely on official U.N. data.

In contrast, the inspector general’s inquiries are based on firsthand reports from whistleblowers, aid workers, and independent sources. One former investigator reported personally witnessing aid being misappropriated by Hamas.

At least four audits are currently underway. One is examining whether USAID properly screened out individuals with terrorist ties from working with U.S.-funded NGOs. Another is looking into how USAID handled fraud risks in cash aiddistributed in the West Bank and Gaza.

The watchdog is also investigating efforts to prevent UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) employees linked to Hamas from moving into other U.S.-funded organizations. Evidence connects 17 current or former UNRWA staff to Hamas, including three tied to the October 7 terror attacks. However, the U.N.’s report to the inspector general was heavily redacted, making verification difficult.

Further evidence points to Hamas attacking aid delivery sites, firing on civilians seeking food, and using violence to control humanitarian supplies. A spokesperson for the inspector general confirmed that the office is working with the Department of Justice to hold both individuals and organizations accountable for diverting U.S. taxpayer-funded aid.

A senior State Department official said the intelligence confirms a significant portion of U.N. aid is stolen, looted, or redirected by Hamas. The official criticized the lack of media coverage, suggesting that violence and corruption at aid sites is being ignored to protect the international aid community’s image.

Capitol Hill staffers have also been briefed on the findings and are now reviewing the evidence.

Sources in Gaza support these claims. Witnesses told the Free Beacon that Hamas regularly hijacks U.N. trucks, steals supplies, and resells them. One researcher estimated that at least 12% of U.N. workers in Gaza are affiliated with Hamas or other terrorist groups. Truck drivers reportedly coordinate with Hamas, giving them a cut of the supplies in exchange for safe passage.

“Hamas controls everything,” said Mohammad, a Gazan graphic designer who relocated to Cairo. “If you’re not with Hamas, you don’t get aid, you don’t get work.”

Source: THE WASHINGTON FREE BEACON