An analysis compiled by USAID officials says they failed to find evidence that Hamas engaged in widespread diversion of assistance in Gaza, ABC News has learned.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -An internal U.S. government analysis found no evidence of systematic theft by the Palestinian militant group Hamas of U.S.-funded humanitarian supplies, challenging the main rationale that Israel and the U.S. give for backing a new armed private aid operation.

Israel has long accused Hamas of sabotaging U.S.-funded humanitarian aid in Gaza, but a recent internal USAID review found no evidence of large-scale theft or diversion by the group.