The Palestinian group Hamas has strongly dismissed accusations by the United States that its members seized humanitarian aid meant for civilians in Gaza, describing the allegations as false, politically motivated, and aimed at undermining relief efforts.
In a statement released on Sunday, Hamas condemned what it termed as “fabricated and baseless accusations” by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which claimed that an unmanned American drone had observed Hamas operatives taking control of an aid truck traveling in southern Gaza. The group insisted that the claims were “part of a deliberate attempt by Washington to justify the already limited flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.”
“We categorically deny the false allegations made by U.S. Central Command regarding claims that an aid vehicle was taken,” the statement read. “These claims are without foundation, and they reveal the U.S.’s ongoing bias and complicity in the siege and suffering imposed on the Palestinian people.”
Hamas further noted that neither international organizations nor local humanitarian workers involved in aid convoys had reported any such incident, adding that the U.S. allegations serve Israel’s political narrative at the expense of Palestinian civilians.
“The United States’ continued endorsement of Israel’s narrative only deepens its unethical bias and makes Washington a partner in the blockade and humanitarian catastrophe facing the people of Gaza,” Hamas said.
CENTCOM had earlier stated that the aid convoy, which was part of a humanitarian delivery coordinated with Israel, was intercepted by individuals believed to be affiliated with Hamas, and that the fate of the vehicle’s driver remained unknown.
Hamas, however, refuted the U.S. version of events, saying the photo evidence released by CENTCOM was “manipulated and fabricated,” accusing Washington of spreading misinformation to shift attention away from the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
