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IDF Spokesperson/TPS-IL on 3 June, 2025
‘They Live Off Theft’: Palestinians Accuse Hamas of Violence to Disrupt Humanitarian Aid
Jerusalem, 5 June, 2025 (TPS-IL) -- Palestinian residents of Gaza told the Israeli military that Hamas is responsible for recent violence at humanitarian aid centers in recordings released by the Israel Defense Forces on Thursday.
In conversations with an officer from the IDF’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), residents described how Hamas is trying to prevent Gazans from receiving humanitarian aid by firing at troops near distribution points and spreading false claims about mass casualties near those areas. COGAT coordinates civilian issues between the Israeli government, military, international community, and the Palestinian Authority in Gaza.
Asked about what happened in Rafah, the Palestinian responded, “They said 30-40 people were killed. I swear it’s a lie, nothing happened. There were injured — maybe seven or eight killed. I sent you a picture of the one who was blamed for shooting at them.”
He went on to say that the soldiers opened fire in response to the terrorists firing mortars.
“They don’t want people to get aid, they want to foil the plan. They live off theft,” the Palestinian insisted.
“So Hamas were the ones who fired at the people,” the officer asked.
“Yes of course. It’s not the first time. They want to foil the plan so that the aid will go to them, allowing them to steal it.” the Palestinian insisted.
He went on to accuse Hamas of “living off the aid,” saying “Deals, sales, money, food and drink — all for their own men and Hamas leaders.”
The Palestinian also told COGAT that Hamas “wants aid to come in through the UN and international organizations so they can steal it.” He added, “I swear to you, they’re criminals. Truly criminals, like ISIS. I swear to Allah, they’re human beasts. Not humans. Not humans at all. They have no compassion whatsoever for their own people.”
Meanwhile, a former Mossad figure warned on Thursday that food distribution in the Gaza Strip has become a critical arena.
“Hamas sees the new alternative of food distribution as a strategic threat to its control – especially in light of the emergence of local militias that present themselves as a replacement for its rule,” said Oded Eilam, former head of the Mossad’s Food and Drug Administration Division. “From Hamas’ perspective, this is critical. They will do everything to disrupt the move – including initiating informational attacks against Israel.”
Aid distribution centers in Gaza remained closed on Thursday as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation cited “maintenance and repair work” as the reason for the continued closure.
“The organization would share information on opening times as soon as the work is complete,” according to s GHF statement. This represents a delay from the foundation’s original plan to reopen Thursday after shutting down Wednesday for what was initially described as a one-day closure for logistical work. The GHF did not indicate when the centers would reopen.
The GHF had operated for eight consecutive days before implementing the shutdown to address safety concerns and accommodate the overwhelming number of Palestinians seeking aid. The organization reported handling approximately 15,000 people per hour at its distribution sites, far exceeding anticipated capacity.
At least 1,180 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas’s attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 56 remaining hostages, 33 are believed to be dead.
