Israel Facilitated Qatari Aid to Gaza, Including Pre-Oct. 7 Request
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
An investigation by "Time" magazine revealed that Israel facilitated the transfer of nearly $2 billion in Qatari funds to Gaza over a decade, intended for humanitarian aid. Documents show former Mossad Chief Yossi Cohen and a National Security Council official requested the continuation of these transfers. Critics argue the mechanism allowed Hamas to consolidate power, while a former security official called it a policy "failure" central to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Qatar stated Israel oversaw the transfers and bears responsibility for any funds reaching Hamas.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel facilitated nearly $2 billion in Qatari aid to Gaza over a decade, according to a "Time" investigation.
- The aid mechanism involved Israeli oversight and was supported by former Mossad Chief Yossi Cohen.
- A pre-Oct. 7 request from the Mossad sought to extend Qatari funding for Gaza, the report states.
- Critics argue the system helped Hamas solidify its rule, with one source calling it a policy "failure."
- Qatar stated Israel oversaw the transfers and is responsible for any funds reaching Hamas.
A "Time" magazine investigation has revealed that Israel played a significant role in a mechanism that allowed Qatar to transfer nearly $2 billion to the Gaza Strip over more than a decade. These funds were intended for humanitarian aid, salaries, fuel, electricity, and support for needy families in the Hamas-controlled territory. Critics argue that this arrangement helped Hamas solidify its rule, even if the money wasn't directly channeled to its military wing.
Among the key documents uncovered is a 2020 letter from then-Mossad Chief Yossi Cohen to the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, expressing gratitude for Qatar's humanitarian assistance and its role in improving the situation and ensuring stability in Gaza. In 2018, a trilateral mechanism involving Israel, Qatar, and the UN was established to formalize the arrangement, including an agreement for fuel supply to Gaza. An Israeli diplomat involved in the discussions stated that Israelis insisted on this method to control what entered and exited Gaza, rather than a direct aid mechanism to civilians.
Further documents show a 2020 request from R. L., a National Security Council official during the Netanyahu administration, to continue the fund transfers despite public criticism in Israel. The official emphasized the importance of continuing Qatari financial aid through the existing mechanism and requested it not be routed through other intermediaries but via Ambassador Mohammed al-Emadi, citing cooperation for regional stability.
In July 2019, Qatar informed the Israeli government of a $6 million transfer to 20,000 Gaza residents, with recipients determined by an Israeli mechanism, though the extent of Hamas ties among them is unknown. A source involved described the situation as one where both "Bibi and Hamas hold the tap," allowing them to use the aid as leverage. A former senior Israeli security official called the policy a "failure" that began with good intentions but was central to Netanyahu, who "promoted and accelerated the plan."
Qatar's Ministry of International Cooperation stated that all aid was coordinated with Israeli and international partners, placing responsibility on Israel for any funds reaching Hamas due to its oversight. Netanyahu has previously maintained the arrangement aimed to prevent humanitarian collapse in Gaza, not to fund Hamas. His office declined to comment on the new investigation, which does not directly link the Qatari funds to the October 7th attack but raises questions about Israeli policy and responsibility.
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Centre 4Right 1Haredi 1Other 1
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
