Hamas seeks to lock in Qatar aid while exchanging border fire with Israel
As Israel fails to fulfil its part of the truce understandings and in light of Qatar's alleged refusal to increase and renew its financial grant to the Gaza Strip, tensions have resumed between Israel and Hamas.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — On Nov. 15, Israel shelled a number of Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip in response to the launch of two rockets from the Strip toward the city of Ashdod in southern Israel.
Tensions have resurged between Israel and the Hamas movement after the latter accused Israel of failing to implement the truce understandings reached in October 2018, including lifting restrictions on imports for Gaza infrastructure projects.
The deadline given by Hamas to Israel to implement the understandings expired on Nov. 1 without Israel making any step forward. Meanwhile, Israeli media reported on Nov. 15 that Qatar refused to commit to Hamas to increase the monthly financial aid it provides to the Gaza Strip.
Qatar grants around $17 million per month to the Gaza Strip. This amount is allocated to infrastructure projects, temporary employment and the purchase of industrial fuel for Gaza’s only power plant. The amount also includes financial aid of $100 to 100,000 poor families in the besieged enclave.
