Gaza Rumors Response

Rumors have circulated that falsely claim that Anera staff in Gaza is stealing aid and selling it on the market. Our Gaza staff rigorously inventories all incoming shipments and oversees their transfer to trusted local partners for distribution, based strictly on vetted lists of vulnerable families.

On July 8 and 10, 2025, a convoy of trucks entered northern Gaza carrying aid boxes labeled with Anera’s logo—without Anera’s coordination, approval, or knowledge. We did not authorize, manage, or distribute that shipment. If any of those items were seen in markets, it occurred entirely outside of Anera’s operations and in violation of our policies. Like all humanitarian organizations working in conflict zones, Anera has faced incidents of looting, and some limited quantities of aid designated for us have, regrettably, appeared in markets. However, any implication that we intentionally diverted aid or sanctioned its resale is categorically false and undermines the integrity of humanitarian efforts.

Rumors have circulated falsely alleging that Anera’s beneficiary lists are made behind closed doors, and only those with connections get on them. Anera works through a wide network of trusted local partners – including health clinics, internally displaced persons shelters, and community-based organizations – to identify families in greatest need. We also draw from existing program beneficiary lists, medical referrals, and partner data to ensure aid is directed fairly and transparently.

Our beneficiary lists are cross-verified with the Ministry of Social Development in Ramallah and Anera’s internal databases, which include records of past beneficiaries and community-nominated families – an approach consistent with standard practices used by other international NGOs operating in Gaza. We maintain distribution lists for all commodities we distribute, such as food parcels, hygiene kits, and packaged hot meals.

For cooked meals prepared through contracted kitchens and dished into bowls and pans that people bring for filling, meals are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, with no list used. Similarly, our health services are open to anyone in need, without the use of predefined distribution lists.

Anera’s primary focus when selecting beneficiaries is to ensure that aid reaches the most vulnerable. We use clear eligibility criteria, prioritizing households with five or more members, female-headed households, and families that include individuals with disabilities, orphans, or pregnant or lactating women. While these groups receive priority, the widespread level of need in Gaza means we also extend distributions to other households whenever possible to ensure broader support and equitable access to aid.

When demand exceeds our capacity, we maintain a waiting list system so that individuals who do not reach immediately can still be considered for future distributions. Our goal is to serve as many vulnerable families as possible, with fairness, dignity and transparency.

Rumors have circulated falsely saying that Anera uses armed guards to protect aid convoys in Gaza. Specifically rumors have circulated around a June 25 aid delivery, claiming Anera used armed escorts. In reality, Anera neither requested nor authorized armed security for that operation. The convoy was protected through a civil coordination plan developed by respected community leaders and organized in partnership with UAE authorities. In fact, two days prior to the shipment, Anera explicitly rejected a proposal to contract a private, armed escort company.

Anera also does not, and will never, respond to looting or civil unrest with force. Our teams are trained to de-escalate and withdraw if security conditions deteriorate. We are committed to preserving the safety of civilians, aid workers, and the humanitarian principles that guide our work.

Rumors have circulated falsely claiming that Anera is coordinating with and diverting aid to Hamas. We do not engage with, coordinate with, or provide aid to any Hamas leaders, affiliates, or related entities. In full compliance with U.S. law, Anera screens all partners against the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) list of designated terrorist organizations. Because Hamas is listed as a terrorist group by the U.S. State Department, we do not and cannot have any association with them.

Anera delivers aid exclusively through vetted, legitimate, and capable local institutions — including clinics and community-based organizations — whose operations we monitor closely.

We recognize the immense need across Gaza and continue to advocate for increased humanitarian access. While we have no verified evidence that Hamas is intercepting our aid, we operate in a highly unstable environment where lawlessness, looting, and war profiteering are widespread. In some cases, organized groups have exploited the severe shortage of supplies and breakdown of order — a challenge faced by all humanitarian actors on the ground.

Despite these conditions, Anera remains committed to doing everything possible to deliver life-saving assistance with integrity, transparency, and in accordance with international humanitarian principles.

Rumors have circulated falsely alleging that Anera is no longer allowed to work in Gaza. To the contrary, Anera continues to operate in Gaza, delivering humanitarian aid with dignity, transparency, and safety in coordination with our trusted partners. Since October 2023, we have delivered more than 1,400 metric tons of aid – the equivalent of 66 million meals – to families across the region.

We have received no communication from any Israeli authority indicating that we are no longer permitted to operate. On the contrary, Anera has worked uninterrupted in Gaza for 40+ years – and we remain committed to continuing our efforts despite the immense barriers and challenges. We will keep advocating for increased humanitarian access to ensure that more life-saving aid reaches the people who need it most.