NYT: Arab, Western officials back Israel’s assertion that Hamas stockpiled food, fuel as Gaza residents go without

The New York Times backs up Israel’s assertion that Hamas is stockpiling food and fuel in the Gaza Strip, keeping it from residents who are in desperate need.

Arab and Western officials tell the outlet that the terror group has amassed stores in its vast network of tunnels.

“Hamas has hundreds of thousands of gallons of fuel for vehicles and rockets; caches of ammunition, explosives and materials to make more; and stockpiles of food, water and medicine,” the report says, citing the unnamed officials.

A senior Lebanese official tells the newspaper that Hamas has enough supplies for the terror group to sustain fighting for three to four months without a need for resupply.

The officials spoke to the newspaper on condition of anonymity so as not to reveal their sources.

Earlier this week, the IDF issued photos it said showed fuel tanks in the Gaza Strip, asserting it had information that half a million liters of fuel were being kept there by Hamas.

Israel, which usually provides fuel to Gaza, halted all transfers following Hamas’s October 7 assault on the country, when the terror group abruptly launched a ground, air and sea assault. Under the cover of a barrage of thousands of rockets, over 2,500 gunmen crossed the border and rampaged murderously through southern towns, killing more than 1,400, most of whom were civilians. Over 230 more were taken hostage.

Israel has barred the entry of fuel into Gaza after imposing a complete blockade on the coastal enclave in the early hours of the war. However, a number of aid convoys of food, water and medical equipment have been allowed in via Egypt.