Uncovering Hamas's Military Operations and Humanitarian Aid Manipulation in Gaza

On a recent operation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) discovered approximately 110 mortar rounds, rockets, and other military equipment concealed within United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) blankets and humanitarian aid packages in southern Gaza. This find, one of the largest since the October ceasefire, highlights ongoing concerns regarding Hamas's military capabilities and the potential misuse of humanitarian aid for military purposes. Since October 2025, Israel has maintained control over 53% of Gaza, while Hamas governs the remaining territory, which is home to over two million residents.

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Gerald Steinberg, founder of NGO Monitor, reported that documents captured by the IDF reveal how Hamas allegedly infiltrated and influenced humanitarian organizations and hospitals. These documents describe a "guarantor" system, where Hamas-appointed individuals were embedded within NGOs to collect information and manipulate aid distribution. Steinberg emphasized that these findings shift allegations from mere suspicion to documented internal protocols, suggesting a systematic approach by Hamas to utilize civilian frameworks for military purposes.

NGO funding being channeled to Hamas, Monitor saysHow Does Hamas Plan to Maintain Control of the Gaza Strip?

Steinberg criticized various NGOs, including Oxfam and Doctors Without Borders, for their alleged complicity in Hamas's operations. He claimed that these organizations did not publicly acknowledge the pressure exerted by Hamas, which could lead to manipulation of aid. The case of World Vision, where its Gaza head was accused of diverting funds to Hamas, exemplifies the complexities surrounding aid distribution and oversight in the region.

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In response to perceived threats, Hamas has intensified its internal security operations against groups accused of collaborating with Israel. The Radea unit, affiliated with Hamas, has conducted ambushes resulting in casualties among alleged collaborators. This crackdown aims to reinforce Hamas's control and deter any actions that could undermine its authority, especially in light of growing calls for political restructuring within Palestinian governance.

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The IDF has expressed concerns over the potential for renewed smuggling operations through the Rafah Crossing, especially following its reopening. Senior military officials warn that Hamas could exploit this route to rearm and strengthen its military capabilities. The ongoing flow of humanitarian aid, which has increased significantly since October 7, 2023, raises alarms about the lack of oversight and the risk of resources being diverted to Hamas.

Rafah Crossing Reopening Could Enable Hamas To Resume Smuggling Operations Into Gaza

The IDF has announced plans to deploy military police at crossings along the Gaza border to enhance oversight and prevent smuggling. This initiative comes amid rising scrutiny of IDF soldiers allegedly involved in smuggling operations into Gaza. Senior officials have called for harsher penalties for those involved, emphasizing the need for strict deterrence as Gaza prepares for extensive reconstruction efforts.

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While the IDF's findings regarding weapons hidden in humanitarian aid are significant, the broader implications of Hamas's infiltration into NGOs and hospitals remain contentious. Critics argue that the evidence presented by Steinberg and NGO Monitor may not fully capture the complexities of humanitarian operations in Gaza. Additionally, the effectiveness of proposed oversight measures at the Rafah Crossing is yet to be determined, raising questions about the future of aid distribution and security in the region.

NGO funding being channeled to Hamas, Monitor says

• “The documents that we have examined recently that [we] reported on were found [and] captured by the IDF in Gaza during the last two years in operations,” — Gerald Steinberg, Founder of NGO Monitor

NGO funding being channeled to Hamas, Monitor says

• “both for command-and-control and terror operations,” — Gerald Steinberg

NGO funding being channeled to Hamas, Monitor says

• “If this is not treason, then what is treason?” — Senior IDF Officer

'Aiding the enemy in wartime is treason': IDF officials outraged by Gaza smuggling case

This ongoing situation in Gaza underscores the intricate balance between humanitarian aid and military operations, with significant implications for both local governance and international relations.

IDF finds large cache of Hamas weapons in UNRWA aid