Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has confirmed plans to allocate funds for humanitarian aid in Gaza, but with a twist: he believes the ultimate goal is not just relief, but also “victory” and the destruction of Hamas. Smotrich stated that he is promoting the transfer of billions of shekels from the state budget for aid to the civilian population in Gaza.
Smotrich’s comments have sparked controversy, as some question whether the funding is truly intended for humanitarian purposes or if it’s part of a broader military strategy. The minister has stated that Israel could potentially carry on with Gaza operations for longer by funding aid efforts on its own, which could be seen as an effort to strangle Hamas economically.
According to estimates, some of the money will come from budget cuts to government ministries. Smotrich hopes that a clear decision will be made at the upcoming cabinet meeting regarding the continuation of activity in Gaza, with the ultimate goal of “conquering it entirely and defeating Hamas militarily.”
The move has raised concerns about the nature of Israel’s intentions in Gaza, and whether humanitarian aid is being used as a means to an end – namely, military victory.
Source: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-863474