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.
