U.S. spy drone captures Hamas looting aid convoy in Gaza

The U.S. Central Command said on November 1 that one of its unmanned aircraft observed suspected Hamas operatives attacking and looting an aid truck in southern Gaza, an incident it said undermines ongoing international humanitarian efforts in the region.

According to a release from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the event occurred on October 31 near northern Khan Younis. A U.S.-led Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) team monitoring the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel detected the attack through real-time video captured by an MQ-9 Reaper drone.

CENTCOM said the operatives stopped a truck that was part of a humanitarian convoy delivering supplies from international partners to civilians in Gaza. The attackers reportedly assaulted the driver, removed him from the vehicle, and stole the truck and its contents. “The driver’s current status is unknown,” the release stated.

The CMCC, based in the region and led by the United States, coordinates the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza through cooperation between the Department of War, regional partners, and international agencies. The center is staffed by representatives from nearly 40 countries and organizations working together to move relief supplies and ensure security for aid convoys.

The U.S. military said that over the past week, international partners had successfully delivered more than 600 trucks per day carrying food, fuel, and medical supplies into Gaza. “This incident undermines these efforts,” CENTCOM said, adding that such attacks on humanitarian convoys complicate the already difficult task of distributing assistance safely under fragile ceasefire conditions.

The MQ-9 surveillance aircraft, commonly used for reconnaissance and monitoring missions, has played an essential role in overseeing the implementation of the ceasefire and verifying compliance from both sides. CENTCOM did not specify whether the looted aid was later recovered or if any action was taken against the assailants seen in the footage.

The incident highlights the broader challenge of delivering aid in conflict zones where control on the ground remains contested. Gaza has faced recurring disruptions to humanitarian relief distribution, as armed groups have often interfered with supplies intended for civilians.

Washington has repeatedly emphasized the importance of maintaining secure humanitarian corridors and has been coordinating closely with Israel, Egypt, and international relief organizations to prevent diversion of aid. The Department of War said it remains committed to ensuring that humanitarian assistance reaches civilians in need while maintaining oversight of aid convoys to deter future theft or interference.

For U.S. and allied partners, the looting incident raises questions about the safety of humanitarian workers and the accountability of militant factions that continue to operate in areas receiving aid. It may also influence how future assistance is transported and secured, with increased surveillance or military escort likely to be considered.