Title: Aid Theft by Terror Groups and Regimes: Prolonging Global Conflicts? In recent years, there has been an alarming trend of aid theft in conflict zones around the world. According to a new study conducted by Dr. Netta Barak-Corren of Jerusalem’s Hebrew University and Dr. Jonathan Boxman, terror groups such as Hamas in Gaza and dictators like those ruling Afghanistan have repeatedly taken advantage of humanitarian assistance meant for civilians. This diversion of aid not only exacerbates the suffering of innocent people but also prolongs global conflicts by providing financial support to these hostile entities. The study highlights cases from Somalia, Ethiopia, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, and Afghanistan where aid intended for civilian populations has been stolen or misappropriated. In Somalia, researchers found that nearly half of the World Food Programme (WFP) budget was taken up by cartel transportation payments, “ghost camps” siphoning off aid, combatants’ family members signing up for assistance, and local gatekeepers taking advantage of the situation. As a result, only about 12.5% to 17.5% of aid reached those in need. A July 2023 internal report commissioned by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres revealed similar claims from Somalian internally displaced persons (IDPs) who were coerced into paying up to half of the cash assistance they received to people in positions of power under threat of eviction, arrest or de-registration from beneficiaries lists. The implications of this widespread aid theft are significant and far-reaching. Not only does it perpetuate suffering among vulnerable populations but also serves as a lifeline for terror groups and regimes that rely on these funds to continue their violent activities. This further complicates peace negotiations, prolongs conflicts, and hinders the development of stable societies in conflict zones. As we move forward, it is crucial that international organizations take steps to address this issue head-on. Implementing stricter monitoring mechanisms, increasing transparency in aid distribution processes, and holding those responsible for diverting funds accountable are just a few ways to combat this alarming trend. Only then can we hope to break the cycle of violence and suffering caused by aid theft in conflict zones around the world.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.foxnews.com/world/new-study-says-aid-theft-terror-groups-regimes-prolonging-global-conflicts)
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