The IDF published an aerial photograph via Twitter on Tuesday detailing a marina built by Hamas’s military wing in the northern Gaza Strip, which was financed with funds siphoned from the United Nations Development Agency (UNDP).
The aerial photograph depicts the marina extending into the sea, not far from Zikim beach in Ashkelon, as well as a command and observation tower.
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According to the indictment filed following an investigation by the Shin Bet, Waheed Borsh, a 38 year-old engineer from Jabalia north of Gaza City, funneled aid resources from the UNDP to the construction of the marina, which the Hamas naval commando unit can use for future operations and training.
A senior naval official told Ynet that over the past year Hamas has invested significant resources into its commando unit with the focus being on improvement following conclusions drawn from the failed raid on Zikim beach during Operation Protective Edge.
According to the IDF’s assessments, Hamas’s secret naval arm utilizes sophisticated diving equipment, underwater combat tactics and has hundreds of fighters who train on the Gazan beach and in the sea itself.
Borsh’s interrogation also yielded further information that Hamas exploited UN aid for its own purposes. For example, when weapons caches or tunnel entrances were discovered in homes being restored by the UNDP, Hamas would take control of the job site and the materials discovered. This is in contradiction to UN policies which clearly dictate that weapons discovered are to be reported and destroyed.
Hamas has denied the accusations, claiming: “These allegations are false and baseless. These accusations are part of the Israeli plan to tighten the siege on the Gaza Strip by going after the international aid organizations operating in Gaza and putting pressure on them. We are warning the Israeli occupation against the continuation of this policy, and call on the international community to shoulder its responsibility for these Israeli measures, which will lead to serious consequences if they continue.”
The Foreign Ministry said that Borsh’s arrest should send a message to the UN Secretary General and its aid agency heads. “We expect the UN, and especially the aid organizations, to unequivocally condemn Hamas for abusing aid mechanisms and to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those who really need it, and not Hamas terrorist leaders.”
