The UN and other aid organizations have been delivering food to civilians in Gaza. However, according to newly released information that many had previously suspected, the aid has not always reached civilians directly. Instead, the terrorist organization Hamas has often stolen the aid and sold it on the black market in order to raise funds—for example, to pay its fighters’ salaries.
When Israel blocked the aid convoys, this flow of money came to an end, and Hamas now appears to be out of cash. It has reportedly not been able to pay its fighters for several months, let alone provide compensation to the families of those killed in action.
Aid deliveries resumed a few days ago, and this time Israel intends to ensure that the food goes directly to those in need. Time will tell how successful they will be.
All this raises a legitimate question: should Palestinian aid actors—especially the UN—that in practice ended up supporting Hamas, now critically reassess their actions? And what about those in the West who made noise about the temporary suspension of aid that, in effect, had been benefiting terrorists?
For my part, I simply note that Hamas’s actions do not serve the interests of the vast majority of Palestinians; rather, the organization’s goal seems to be nothing more than exploiting them. It appears that more and more Gazans have come to the same conclusion, as many have turned against the group and even dared to protest openly in hopes of driving it out of Gaza.
Previous thoughts on the same topic:
Could Mohammed Sinwar’s Death Mark a Turning Point Toward Peace
Why Hamas Is Unwilling to Give Up Its Weapons
In Finland, the Enemy Is Clear – and Now the Truth Is Emerging for the Palestinians Too
If i remember right the Helsinki city council sent 300 000 euros to Gaza. According the Finnish law it's illegal to support a terrorist organisation, but maybe this is a different thing.
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