IDF COGAT unit discovers motor oil hidden in UNDP humanitarian aid shipments to Gaza

Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), responsible for logistical coordination in Gaza, said Wednesday it had uncovered motor oil smuggled inside humanitarian aid belonging to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

"COGAT emphasizes that this is a serious violation of the mechanisms for receiving aid, and that Hamas continues to try to exploit the aid mechanism for terrorist activity and incitement," COGAT stated in a letter.

The terrorist militia Hamas in Gaza, which has been severely degraded after more than two years of war with Israel, has, in recent months, increased its efforts to rebuild some of its military capabilities, which requires the smuggling of both military and dual-use products like motor oil.

The failed Hamas smuggling attempt was uncovered at the Keren Shalom Crossing between Israel and southern Gaza. Following the incident, the chief of COGAT, Maj.-Gen. Yoram Halevi, ordered the suspension of all UNDP aid until a comprehensive probe is complete.

"Any such deviation will lead to immediate measures being taken against the organization responsible for the shipment, until the incident is fully investigated," Halevi said.

The Israel Defense Forces stressed that the United Nations is responsible for the contents of the UNDP aid sent into Gaza.

"Any case in which aid shipments are used for smuggling purposes will lead to immediate enforcement measures being taken," the IDF warned.

"The IDF, in cooperation with all security agencies, will continue to take zero tolerance towards attempts to exploit the humanitarian aid mechanism, and will take strict measures against any party involved."

Israeli officials stressed that entry and exit for Gazans across the Rafah border crossing on the Egyptian border would be coordinated with Cairo and require Israeli security clearance. The European mission would reportedly supervise the mechanism.

Hamas is required to disarm and relinquish political control in Gaza, according to the U.S.-brokered ceasefire, which took effect in October 2025. However, senior Hamas officials have refused to lay down weapons, demanding at least to minimally retain some lighter weapons for “self-defense.”

Mediators reportedly recently submitted a proposal that calls for Hamas to initially hand over heavy arms within 90 days.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, Arab diplomats revealed that the proposal incorporates a buyback program with financial incentives to Hamas members who agree to hand over their personal weapons. The weapons are intended for transfer to a new police force in Gaza tasked with maintaining law and order in the coastal enclave.

Israeli officials have, by contrast, demanded that Hamas hand over all arms at one time, as stipulated in the ceasefire agreement. However, Turkish, Egyptian and Qatari mediators have reportedly described the Israeli position as “unrealistic.”

The composition of Gaza’s emerging police force is also currently unclear. An informed Arab diplomat said that Israel is unlikely to accept Hamas members involved in the Oct. 7 massacre serving in the new force.

Hamas, which still controls portions of Gaza, has escalated its crackdown on civilians and political opponents while global attention remains focused on the war with Iran.

Earlier this month, Hamas faced public outrage after killing several of Gaza's civilians, however, the report received little attention from the international press.