To: USAID/West Bank and Gaza Implementing Partners
From: Daniel Harter, Supervisory Contracting/Agreement Officer
Office of Contracts Management (OCM), USAID/West Bank and Gaza
Subject: Responsibility to Identify and Report Potential Diversion of U.S Humanitarian Aid to Hamas and Other Foreign Terrorist Organizations
Dear Implementing Partners,
As the United States continues to provide humanitarian and development assistance to the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza, the USAID Office of Inspector General (OIG) has issued an alert identifying this as high-risk for potential diversion and misuse of U.S. funds. Furthermore, USAID/OIG has identified deliberate interference and efforts to divert humanitarian assistance in regions where foreign terrorist organization (FTO) activity is prevalent. This includes: systemic coercion of aid workers by FTOs; imposition of taxes, duties, and fees on USAID awardees and beneficiaries; and FTO influence over beneficiary selection and internally displaced persons camp management.
It is extremely important to ensure that assistance does not fall into the hands of FTOs. This notice serves as a reminder to all Implementing Partners of the USG’s expectations regarding identifying and reporting requirements of potential diversion of funds to Hamas and other FTOs.
To report suspected diversion, fraud, corruption, or other serious misconduct you are requested to utilize USAID’s OIG HOTLINE PORTAL. USAID OIG expects prompt reporting of any and all allegations of the misuse of assistance from UN agencies, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and contractors operating in the West Bank and Gaza. U.S. law affords protections from retaliation to employees of NGOs and contractors who wish to submit a complaint.
USAID takes this seriously given the current situation and the potential risk to our work and foreign policy objectives.
Additional information is provided under Attachment 1 of this notice titled ‘Situational Alert - Diversion and Material Support’.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to your respective OCM point of contact.
