Israeli military officials have stated that there is no evidence Hamas systematically stole aid from the United Nations during the war in Gaza, contradicting longstanding government claims used to justify strict restrictions on food entering the territory. The officials acknowledged that the United Nations' aid delivery system was largely effective and less susceptible to interference than other organizations, though some theft from smaller groups did occur. Despite mounting international criticism and warnings of mass starvation, Israel has shifted from the United Nations-led aid system to a private, American-run operation, which has resulted in increased violence and fatalities among Palestinians seeking food. Internal United States government analysis also found no proof of systematic Hamas theft from United Nations aid, raising questions about the rationale behind Israel's aid restrictions and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.