US Drone Captures Hamas Operatives Looting Aid Truck in Gaza, CENTCOM Condemns Incident

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has released drone footage showing suspected Hamas operatives looting a humanitarian aid truck in southern Gaza, reigniting global concern over the safety of relief convoys in the war-torn region.

The incident reportedly occurred in northern Khan Younis on Friday, coinciding with a visit to Israel by General Dan Caine, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff. CENTCOM confirmed that the US-led Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) — based in Kiryat Gat, southern Israel — detected the attack through live surveillance from an MQ-9 reconnaissance drone.

Drone Footage Reveals Looting

According to CENTCOM, the footage showed armed men assaulting the driver of an aid truck, forcing him onto the roadside before seizing both the vehicle and its cargo. The driver’s current condition has not been disclosed. The looted truck was part of a convoy transporting essential supplies intended for civilians amid the fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire.

The CMCC, which coordinates humanitarian aid and security operations in Gaza, consists of about 200 American military personnel and representatives from 40 allied countries and international organizations. The center’s mission includes facilitating safe delivery of humanitarian supplies and overseeing postwar stabilization efforts.

CENTCOM Condemns Attack

CENTCOM stated that such acts of looting “undermine international humanitarian efforts” and compromise the delivery of aid to civilians in need. Over the past week, more than 600 trucks of aid and commercial goods have entered Gaza daily under international supervision.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio shared the drone footage on X, accusing Hamas of depriving Gazans of life-saving assistance. “Hamas continues to steal humanitarian aid meant for its own people,” Rubio said. He emphasized that these acts threaten President Trump’s 20 Point Plan to ensure the flow of critical aid to civilians trapped in the enclave.

Global Reactions and UN Report

The United Nations has acknowledged that while looting incidents have decreased since the ceasefire began, isolated attacks persist. Between October 10 and 28, only 5% of shipments were intercepted — a marked drop from over 80% earlier in the year. However, UN officials admitted that much of the aid had previously been stolen by armed groups or desperate civilians before reaching distribution centers.

US and Israeli Coordination

During his visit, Gen. Caine met with Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir to discuss regional security and coordination on Gaza’s reconstruction. He also visited CMCC headquarters in Kiryat Gat to review field operations ensuring safe delivery of humanitarian support.

The incident has underscored ongoing challenges in safeguarding international aid in Gaza, as global leaders continue to push for stability, transparency, and accountability in relief operations.