Doha, December 12: Qatar’s Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi has confirmed that Qatar will continue its financial support to Gaza, in line with its long-term commitment to assist the Palestinian people. Al-Khulaifi said there would be no deviation from his ongoing mandate to support his Palestinian brothers and sisters. The announcement comes amid growing discontent in Israel over Qatar’s payments to Hamas.
Under the previous arrangement, Qatari diplomats regularly delivered $15 million in cash to Gaza each month to help pay civil servants. The initiative, approved by Israel in 2018, has faced criticism, with some labeling the fund as “conservation money”. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who initially defended the measure, later halted cash distribution, calling the cash suitcases a “terrible mistake”.
Critics argue that these payments may have contributed to strengthening Hamas and increasing security threats, with former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed for the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack. Retired Major General Amos Gilad emphasized that the cash provided to Hamas was akin to “oxygen”, allowing the group to consolidate its control over Gaza.
Amid these developments, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Gaza felt “abandoned” after the US vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini described the situation in Gaza as “falling on the brink of collapse”, with civilians resorting to looting in desperation. Lazzarini warned of a potential breakdown of civil order in Gaza, threatening the agency’s ability to work effectively.
Qatari Plane Carrying Aid for Palestinians in Gaza Heads to Al Arish#MOFAQatar pic.twitter.com/Et2PWd9hyV
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) December 12, 2023
