Rubio Condemns Hamas for Looting Humanitarian Aid Truck

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio sharply criticized Hamas on Saturday following the release of a video that shows suspected members of the militant group stealing a humanitarian aid truck in Khan Younis, Gaza. The incident, which occurred on October 20, 2023, was captured by a drone operated by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) as part of ongoing monitoring efforts in the region.

The video footage depicts suspected Hamas operatives attacking the truck driver and forcibly dragging him to the road’s median before fleeing with the vehicle and its humanitarian cargo. Rubio emphasized that such actions contribute to the suffering of Gazans, who are in urgent need of assistance. “Hamas continues to deprive the people of Gaza of the humanitarian aid they desperately need,” he stated on the social media platform X.

Hamas as an Obstacle to Aid Delivery

Rubio described Hamas as “the impediment” to humanitarian efforts, claiming the group obstructs relief intended for civilians. He urged the organization to cease its actions, stating, “They must lay down their arms and stop their looting so that Gaza can have a brighter future.” The truck in question was part of a humanitarian convoy coordinated by various international partners to deliver essential supplies to residents in northern Gaza.

According to CENTCOM, the video was recorded using an MQ-9 drone that was deployed to oversee the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. The organization’s post on X reported that the driver’s current status remains unknown following the attack.

In response to the ongoing crisis, nearly 40 nations and international organizations have rallied to coordinate humanitarian, logistical, and security assistance for Gaza through the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC). This center, which opened on October 17, 2023, serves as a central hub for aid efforts in the region. CENTCOM noted that over the past week, international partners have successfully delivered more than 600 trucks of commercial goods and aid into Gaza each day.

Concerns Over Aid Security

Despite these efforts, incidents of aid theft have raised significant concerns. Data released in August by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) indicated that much of the aid entering Gaza had been intercepted or looted within the territory. This trend undermines the work being done by international organizations to stabilize the region and provide crucial support to those in need.

As the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to evolve, the international community remains focused on finding solutions to ensure that aid reaches its intended recipients without obstruction. The theft of humanitarian supplies by armed groups poses a serious challenge to these efforts, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance and cooperation among nations.