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Reversing course, Israel approves $15 million transfer from Qatar to Hamas

It is the third installment approved by Israel’s government in what officials see as a way to ease tensions and avoid a potential humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Palestinian demonstrators burn tires as they demonstrate on the Gaza-Israel border on Oct. 12, 2018. Photo by Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90.
Palestinian demonstrators burn tires as they demonstrate on the Gaza-Israel border on Oct. 12, 2018. Photo by Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90.

Israel’s Security Cabinet reversed its decision earlier this week not to allow a $15 million transfer from Qatar to Gaza to help struggling Palestinians there.

On Tuesday, Israel halted a previously approved $15 million transfer to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip from Qatar amid renewed Palestinian rioting and violence along the Gaza-Israel border.

An Israeli officer was hurt by sniper fire, with a Hamas terrorist killed in a counterattack by Israel. The Israeli military shut down areas near the border to civilian traffic, fearing more an escalation.

Qatari envoy Mohammed El-Amadi was in Jerusalem on Wednesday to resolve the dilemma and convince Israel to permit the transfer.

El-Amadi then traveled to Gaza to hold discussions with Hamas leaders. One of his assistants refused to provide further details to Israeli media.

The $15 million from Qatar is the third installment approved by Israel’s government in what officials see as a way to ease tensions and avoid a potential humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, the advocacy agent of the Jewish Federations of Canada-UIA, said that it was “left with a deep sense of sadness.”
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