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.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) called the images of people, including children, starving in Gaza “disturbing and heartbreaking,” but insisted that Hamas “has stolen the food,” despite reports from the Israeli military that there is no proof that the Palestinian militant group had systematically stolen aid.

Israel faces international criticism over its conduct in the 21-month war as more reports emerge of starvation deaths.

Israel announced a tactical pause in military activity in parts of the Gaza Strip and the establishment of safe routes for humanitarian aid, as a deadly hunger crisis spreads across the enclave.Israel’s military said on Sunday that it would suspend its activity from 10 a.

The local pause in fighting came days after ceasefire efforts between Israel and Hamas appeared to be in doubt.

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.