Qatar announced on Thursday an agreement has been reached with the United Nations on transferring stalled Qatari aid money for poor families in the Gaza Strip, after a four-month delay that risked reigniting tensions in the region.
According to the Qatari statement, about 100,000 Palestinian families in Gaza will receive $100 in cash each month, starting in early September.
Defense Minister Benny Gantz also confirmed an agreement has been reached, saying the new mechanism agreed upon “will ensure the money reaches those who truly need it.”
Gantz added he had been in contact with Qatari officials, who “understood the Israeli need” to make sure the funds don’t end in the hands of Hamas authorities, stressing the new mechanism gives Israel greater oversight.
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He also said parties are looking into the possibility of setting up another mechanism that would see funds distributed by the Palestinian Authority, which controls the West Bank, but not Gaza.
In his statement, Gantz thanked “Qatar for assuming a constructive role in the region,” as well as the United States, the United Nations and Egypt, “and all the partners who assisted in promoting the process to allow aid for those in need, while maintaining Israel’s security.”
Militant groups in Gaza planned to resume the protests at the border fence with Israel as early as this weekend, but are set to reconsider the move following the Qatari and Israeli statements.
This is a developing story. More details soon…
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