UN cash app for Gazans exploited by Hamas as terror group steals aid money meant for civilians

Fox News - Apr 27th, 2025
Open on Fox News

For the first time in 18 years, Gazans are publicly voicing their concerns against Hamas, despite the personal risks involved. Residents are frustrated with the high fees they face to convert digital aid into cash, which is controlled by Hamas and its affiliates. The United Nations' cash transfers to Gaza, intended as humanitarian aid, are reportedly being manipulated to strengthen Hamas's economic grip on the region. The aid system allows Hamas to exploit its control over local merchants and create a shadow banking system, thus reclaiming funds through hefty taxes and fees, severely impacting the local economy and residents’ purchasing power.

The context of this issue is exacerbated by Gaza's dire economic conditions, with severe food insecurity and high inflation rates. Despite significant monthly financial aid from international organizations like the World Food Programme and UNICEF, reaching over half of Gaza’s households, the manipulation of this aid by Hamas underscores a complex challenge. Efforts to mitigate these issues include UNICEF’s implementation of digital e-wallets to eliminate cash conversion fees, but obstacles remain. The broader implications raise questions about the effectiveness and oversight of international aid, as well as the ongoing struggle of Gazans under Hamas's influence and the persistent conflict in the region.

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RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a detailed examination of the alleged financial manipulation of international aid in Gaza, highlighting the challenges faced by residents and the potential exploitation of aid systems by Hamas. It offers a clear and accessible account of the issues, supported by quotes from experts and affected individuals. However, the story could benefit from greater balance, incorporating a wider range of perspectives, including those of aid organizations and local authorities. While the article's accuracy is generally supported by external sources, specific claims require further verification to enhance credibility. The story is timely and relevant, addressing significant public interest issues that have the potential to influence public opinion and policy discussions. Overall, the article effectively communicates its message, but additional context and transparency would strengthen its impact and engagement with readers.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story presents several claims regarding Hamas' financial manipulation of international aid, which are partially supported by external sources. For instance, it states that Hamas extracts funds from UN cash transfers through app-to-cash conversion fees, a claim that aligns with reports of aid diversion in Gaza. However, the story lacks specific evidence directly linking Hamas to the fee structure, such as transaction records or testimonies from involved parties. Additionally, while the story accurately reports on the amounts transferred by UN agencies, this information requires cross-verification with official UN financial disclosures or audits. The claim about Israel's Foreign Minister urging the cancellation of 200-shekel bills is plausible but needs confirmation from official government communications. The story's accuracy is bolstered by quotes from experts like Eyal Ofer and Peter Gallo, though their statements would benefit from independent corroboration to enhance credibility.

6
Balance

The article tends to focus on the negative implications of aid distribution in Gaza, emphasizing Hamas' alleged exploitation of funds. While it provides a detailed account of these issues, it does not equally explore alternative perspectives, such as the challenges faced by aid agencies operating in conflict zones or the potential benefits of digital payment systems like UNICEF's e-wallets. The story quotes individuals who criticize the current system but does not include voices from aid organizations or local authorities who might offer a different viewpoint. This imbalance could lead readers to perceive the situation as more one-sided than it might be, missing the complexities and challenges involved in delivering aid in a highly controlled and politically sensitive environment.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, presenting its main points in a logical sequence. It effectively uses quotes and examples to illustrate the impact of financial manipulation on Gaza residents, making the story accessible to readers. The language is straightforward, avoiding overly technical jargon that could hinder comprehension. However, the inclusion of more detailed explanations regarding the digital payment systems and the specific roles of different organizations involved would enhance clarity. Overall, the article succeeds in communicating its message, but additional context in certain areas would provide a more complete understanding.

7
Source quality

The article cites a range of sources, including experts on Hamas' financial operations and Gaza residents affected by the aid distribution system. However, it relies heavily on Fox News Digital and TPS-IL, which may not provide the most comprehensive or unbiased perspective. The inclusion of statements from international lawyer Peter Gallo and UNICEF adds credibility, but the lack of direct responses from the World Food Programme and other involved entities limits the depth of source diversity. The story would benefit from incorporating more primary sources, such as official documents or statements from the UN agencies mentioned, to enhance its reliability and authority.

6
Transparency

The article provides some context for its claims, such as the amounts of aid transferred and the reported fees for cash conversion. However, it lacks transparency in explaining the methodology behind these assertions, such as how the fee percentages were calculated or verified. The story references open-source data and expert opinions but does not clearly outline the basis for these claims or the potential biases of the sources cited. Greater transparency regarding the sources of information and the processes used to gather and verify data would improve the article's credibility and help readers better assess the validity of its claims.

Sources

  1. https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/national-international/israelis-lawsuit-says-un-agency-helps-hamas-by-paying-gaza-staff-in-dollars/3649167/?os=vbkandrefa_1
  2. https://ngo-monitor.org/reports/us-funded-ngo-aid-benefiting-hamas-mercy-corps-and-anera-operations-in-gaza/
  3. https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/israel-west-bank-and-gaza/west-bank-and-gaza/
  4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misinformation_in_the_Gaza_war
  5. https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2024-12-05/gaza-money-shortage