US demands UN agency investigate Hamas meddling in aid
EXCLUSIVE — The State Department said the United Nations’ Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs should ensure it is protecting Gaza aid programs from suspected Hamas meddling after reporting from the Washington Examiner.
TL;DR
- The State Department wants the UN's OCHA to investigate allegations of Hamas meddling in Gaza aid programs.
- A Washington Examiner report, citing NGO Monitor documents, claims OCHA has cooperated with a Hamas-linked agency since at least 2021.
- Allegations include Hamas's security ministry dictating survey questions for aid distribution.
- OCHA denies that its aid is delivered in cooperation with or for the benefit of Hamas, stressing adherence to humanitarian principles.
- The U.S. has provided $3.8 billion in funding to OCHA since December, with emphasis on oversight to prevent diversion to terrorist entities.