Gaza city: Palestinian group Hamas on Sunday denied accusations by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) that it has looted aid trucks in the Gaza Strip. In a statement, Hamas called the US accusations 'unfounded' and 'part of an attempt to justify the further reduction of already limited humanitarian aid, while covering up the international community's failure to end the blockade and starvation imposed on civilians in Gaza.'

According to Anadolu Agency, Hamas asserted that all manifestations of chaos and looting ended immediately after the withdrawal of the Israeli occupying forces, suggesting that the occupation was the sole orchestrator of such chaos. The group emphasized that over 1,000 Palestinian police and security forces had lost their lives and hundreds were injured while attempting to protect humanitarian aid convoys and ensure that assistance reached those in need.

Hamas further stated that none of the international or local institutions, nor any driver working with the aid convoys, has filed any report or complaint accusing Hamas of looting. This, they argued, clearly demonstrates that the scene cited by CENTCOM is fabricated and politically motivated to justify blockade policies and the reduction of humanitarian aid. They also blamed the US for failing to document ongoing Israeli attacks, despite the ceasefire, which has resulted in the deaths of 254 Palestinians and injuries to 595 others.

CENTCOM had previously shared drone footage allegedly showing an aid truck being looted by Hamas operatives in the enclave. However, Hamas contended that the average number of aid trucks entering Gaza does not exceed 135 per day, while the rest are commercial trucks that Gaza's population cannot afford, despite repeated calls to increase humanitarian aid and reduce commercial shipments.

Hamas concluded by criticizing the US for adopting the Israeli narrative, stating that it deepens Washington's immoral bias and positions it as a partner in the blockade and the suffering of the Palestinian people.