Israeli Official: Up to 50% of Gaza Aid Looted by Hamas and Civilians

A senior Israeli security official has revealed a dire situation in Gaza, where up to half of the humanitarian aid entering the region is being looted by Hamas operatives and desperate civilians. Approximately 150 aid trucks, carrying essentials like food, medical supplies, and blankets, cross into Gaza daily through the Kerem Shalom and Zikim crossings after rigorous Israeli inspections. However, the official disclosed, “Every week, we witness Hamas and civilians looting these trucks. In some cases, up to 50% of the truck’s contents are stolen. The looters ambush the trucks, block their path, and seize the cargo.” These brazen thefts occur despite efforts to secure routes, with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) struggling to protect convoys due to ongoing conflict and limited control over Gaza’s internal security.

The looting exacerbates Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, where 1.9 million people, 90% of the population, are displaced, and famine risks loom, according to UN estimates. On July 23, 70 trucks from the UN and other organizations entered via Kerem Shalom and Zikim, all inspected to prevent weapons smuggling. The IDF also coordinated with international agencies to collect over 150 trucks from Gaza’s side, but many supplies fail to reach designated distribution centers. The official noted Israel’s preparations to increase aid deliveries if a hostage release deal, involving 50 remaining captives, is finalized. Social media posts on X express outrage, with one user stating, “Hamas steals aid meant for starving kids, disgraceful!” Hamas denies systematic theft, claiming its forces protect convoys, but six of their security team died in a May 2025 looting incident, highlighting the chaos.