The White House says it has not seen “indications” Hamas operatives have diverted humanitarian aid from civilians.
During a press briefing on Monday, White House spokesman John Kirby was pressed on how the U.S. can guarantee Palestinian civilians will actually receive aid.
“We saw fraud with something like COVID relief money in the U.S., and we’re now talking about securing an understanding with Hamas — a terror group — about how this humanitarian aid should be used,” a reporter said, before asking, “How can you convince people that that is going to be a worthwhile, necessary, and secure endeavor?”
Kirby responded by noting administration officials “certainly share concerns about any diversion of humanitarian assistance for Hamas purposes.”
“We’re not blind to the potential concerns here over diversion,” he continued.
Still, Kirby said, “We have seen indications as of today, that any of the trucks… any of the material in those trucks have been diverted to Hamas, or have been absconded by Hamas.”
“In fact, every indication that we have is that it has in fact gone to the Palestinian people,” he insisted.
Watch the video below:
"How are you going to convince people that [aid for Gaza/West Bank] is not going to get into Hamas's hands?"
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) October 23, 2023
JOHN KIRBY: "We're not blind to the potential concerns here over diversion" pic.twitter.com/2VAsRSAorr
During his trip to Israel last week, President Joe Biden announced the U.S. would be giving $100 million in aid to Gaza and the West Bank.
“This money will support more than 1 million displaced and conflict-affected Palestinians, including emergency needs in Gaza,” he said.
He also insisted “there will be inspections, and aid should go to civilians, not to Hamas.”
Still, State Department spokesman Matt Miller admitted on Thursday that such concerns are “legitimate.” But vowed U.S. officials will “be watching very carefully how it’s delivered.”
And others voiced concerns that Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip, would divert the aid from civilians.
