IDF Reveals Evidence of Misleading Starvation Claims Amid Massive Hamas Aid Diversion
IDF reveals evidence Hamas fabricated starvation claims while looting aid trucks, with most alleged hunger deaths linked to pre-existing conditions, not famine, to discredit Israel and block relief
Early on Tuesday, the IDF released a statement revealing that that Hamas’ “starvation campaign” is based on misleading data meant to vilify Israel. According to the evidence, most alleged malnutrition deaths were due to pre-existing conditions, not famine.
The evidence consists of medical reviews which show that most of the deaths in question stemmed from severe pre-existing conditions, not starvation, with some patients having previously received treatment in Israel itself.
Quantifying Aid Deliveries
Since October 7, 2023, Israel has enabled the entry of more than 1.9 million tons of humanitarian supplies into Gaza, including food, medicine, and basic goods. Recent statistics from the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) reveal that between May 19 and August 5, over 2,600 aid trucks passed from Israel into Gaza. Only about 300 trucks reached their intended destinations, with the remaining 2,309 intercepted and looted en route. In other words, approximately 88% did not reach their destination.
Who’s Blocking the Aid?
Reports have demonstrated that the primary obstruction happens inside Gaza, once aid has already entered the strip. Palestinian terror groups, most notably Hamas, have entrenched themselves as the de facto gatekeeper of incoming aid. Recent exposes reveal quotas forcibly extracted from each shipment, with arms-length control over distribution. Hamas and affiliates have been documented joining aid convoys, assessing goods, and confiscating up to 25% of shipments.
The looted supplies do not end up with those most in need. Price gouging in local markets is rampant as confiscated food and essentials are resold at exorbitant prices. Coercive “taxes” and protection fees administered by Hamas further siphon off resources meant for ordinary Gazans. Intercepted phone calls, internal documentation, and local testimonies confirm aid diversion is fueling the group financially.
Debunking the Starvation Narrative
A social media analysis previously conducted by Jewish Onliner found that the “Gaza Is Starving” campaign was heavily promoted by Hamas and Qatari-aligned actors, with Qatar playing a central role in amplifying the narrative that Israel is deliberately starving Palestinians in Gaza.
The campaign, which has gained international attention, seeks to portray Israel as intentionally blocking humanitarian aid, an assertion that Israeli officials have strongly rejected. Despite concerns from Israel, the narrative has spread widely through various media outlets, further fueled by Qatar’s support for Hamas and its influence in the region's media landscape.