The USAID Office of Inspector General is statutorily mandated to provide independent oversight of USAID and other agencies performing foreign assistance programs. We do not set policy or award funds, but our independent oversight work is designed to inform those who do. Oversight of aid to Gaza has been top priority since the influx of humanitarian assistance following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks in Israel.
We have consistently cautioned Federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and UN agencies of the risk of aid being diverted to Hamas and other U.S.-designated terrorist organizations. This includes investigations of United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) officials associated with Hamas who participated in the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks in Israel, including in the murder of Israeli and American citizens. This investigative work continues. In addition, we have received and are investigating credible allegations of Hamas interference, diversion, and theft of humanitarian aid in Gaza, as well as allegations of smuggling contraband into Gaza through humanitarian aid shipments.
When it comes to advancing our investigations, particularly involving UN agencies, we do not take “no” for an answer. After the UN’s Office of Internal Oversight Service (OIOS) refused to share an unredacted copy of its investigation with us, we sought and obtained the information we needed for our UNRWA investigation through other sources, methods, and diplomatic channels. We are still pressing OIOS to obtain the unredacted copy.
In addition to our investigative work, we have reported on inefficiencies, delays, and constraints in the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza, including in the Joint Logistics Over the Shore (JLOTS) program, otherwise known as the Gaza pier. Our ongoing audits of programming in Gaza are designed to inform policymakers on potential waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in these programs.
USAID OIG will continue to investigate allegations of diversion, fraud, product substitution, smuggling, and other misconduct compromising lifesaving humanitarian assistance intended for civilians in Gaza.