A new U.S. military drone video appears to show Hamas loots Gaza aid, prompting Secretary of State Marco Rubio to condemn the group for stealing critical supplies meant for civilians.
US Drone Video Shows Hamas Stealing Aid
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) released footage captured by an MQ-9 drone on Friday.
The video shows suspected Hamas operatives in northern Khan Younis attacking a driver in a humanitarian convoy.
“Operatives attacked the driver and stole the aid and truck after moving the driver to the road’s median,” CENTCOM stated in a release. The command also noted that “The driver’s current status is unknown.“
Secretary Rubio Condemns Hamas Actions
Following the release, Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered sharp criticism of Hamas. He accused the group of being “the impediment” to relief intended for civilians.
“This theft undermines international efforts in support of President Trump’s 20 Point Plan to deliver critical assistance to innocent civilians,” Rubio said. “Hamas continues to deprive the people of Gaza of the humanitarian aid they desperately need.“
Hamas Loots Gaza Aid, Undermining Relief Efforts
The incident complicates an extensive international aid operation involving nearly 40 nations. These efforts are coordinated through the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC), which opened on Oct. 17 in southern Israel.
CENTCOM reported that “Over the past week, international partners have delivered more than 600 trucks of commercial goods and aid into Gaza daily.” However, the command added, “This incident undermines these efforts,” highlighting ongoing Gaza aid delivery problems.
This is not an isolated issue, as data published in August by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) showed most of its aid entering Gaza had been looted.
Call for Hamas to End Hostilities
In his statement, Rubio demanded that the group cease its activities to allow aid to reach civilians.
“They must lay down their arms and stop their looting so that Gaza can have a brighter future,” he urged.
