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How the Donors Saved Hamas

(Gatestone Institute) Khaled Abu Toameh - It is naive to think that Hamas would not benefit from the billions of dollars that have just been promised to help with the reconstruction of Gaza. Any funds earmarked for Gaza will strengthen Hamas, even if the money is coming through the Palestinian Authority. The funds will help rebuild various Hamas-controlled installations such as ministries, security bases, universities, mosques and charities. The infrastructure in Gaza is almost entirely controlled by Hamas. The promised funds absolve Hamas of any responsibility for the catastrophe it brought upon the Palestinians during the confrontation with Israel. Now the Palestinians in Gaza will no longer ask Hamas to compensate them for the loss of their houses and family members. They will now be referred to the PA. Hopes that the catastrophic results of the confrontation would increase pressure on Hamas or perhaps trigger a revolt against it have now faded. Moreover, as the PA works toward rebuilding Gaza, Hamas will use its own resources to smuggle in additional weapons and prepare for the next war with Israel. The biggest mistake the donor states made was failing to demand the disarmament of Hamas as a precondition for funneling aid to Gaza. The donors have not only saved Hamas; they have emboldened it.
2014-10-15 00:00:00
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