Israel approves transfer of Qatar grant to Gaza Strip

Palestinians hold flags of Qatar and Palestine during a press conference of Ambassador Mohamed Al-Emadi in Gaza on 19 February 2018 [Middle East Monitor / Mohammed Asad]

The Israeli Security Cabinet yesterday allowed the transfer of $15 million in Qatari funds in to the Gaza Strip after delaying it for two weeks, Israeli media reported.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had initially linked transferring the third installment of the Qatari aid package to stopping the weekly “March of Return” protests which have been ongoing since 30 March last year.

Netanyahu had already froze the transfer twice on 7 and 22 January.

Following the announcement of the decision, Hamas said it is rejecting the funds as it cannot accept Israel’s conditions for the transfer.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, senior Hamas official Khalil Al-Hayya said Gaza would not allow itself to become part of Israel’s election playground.

READ: Ex-security chief calls for sending Qatar funds to Gaza

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