PM's Office Blames Hamas for Gaza Hardship, Cites 91,000 Tents for Winter Aid
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Israel's Prime Minister's Office blamed Hamas for Gaza's humanitarian crisis, detailing a winter aid plan including over 91,000 tents. The office stated Hamas has not surrendered any weapons and diverts aid for terror infrastructure. Peace Now had criticized Israel for delaying winter supplies, which the PM's Office refuted. Israel will continue aid but prevent Hamas from exploiting it for terror capabilities.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel's PM's Office blames Hamas for Gaza's suffering and humanitarian crisis.
- A winter aid plan for Gaza includes over 91,000 tents and essential supplies.
- The PM's Office accuses Hamas of diverting civilian materials for terror infrastructure.
- Hamas has not surrendered any weapons, holding Gaza residents hostage, according to the PM's Office.
- Peace Now criticized Israel for delaying winter aid, a claim refuted by the PM's Office.
Israel's Prime Minister's Office responded Tuesday to criticism from the Peace Now organization, which accused Israel of delaying winter aid to Gaza and worsening the humanitarian crisis. The PM's Office placed full responsibility on Hamas, stating that Israel has been cooperating with Peace Now, the UN, international organizations, and donor countries on a winter preparedness plan. This plan, according to the office, includes over 91,000 tents, more than 8,200 trucks of tarpaulins, blankets, winter clothing, and supplies, along with sewage pumps and fuel for their operation.
"Hamas alone is responsible for the suffering of Gaza's residents. Now it cynically exploits this suffering to blame Israel again," the statement read. The PM's Office emphasized close cooperation with the United States and Peace Now, and commitment to President Trump's 20-point plan, which requires Hamas disarmament and Gaza's demilitarization before reconstruction can begin. "To this day, Hamas has not handed over a single weapon and continues to hold Gaza's residents hostage to its rule of terror," the office added.
The PM's Office further alleged that Hamas has diverted materials intended for civilian use, such as cement for homes to build tunnels, water pipes for missile launchers, and sewage pumps for rocket production. They claim Hamas systematically redirects humanitarian aid to military infrastructure, with the UN and UNRWA "turning a blind eye."
"As long as Hamas remains in power, it will exploit every item entering Gaza to solidify its rule of terror and expand its arsenal," the statement warned. Israel will continue to support winter preparations but "must not allow Hamas to exploit humanitarian supplies and equipment to restore its terror capabilities." The office urged mediators to demand Hamas disarm so that Trump's plan can be implemented.
Peace Now had issued a strong statement following recent floods in Gaza, calling for Israel to immediately approve the entry of winter equipment. The organization criticized Israel's delays, claiming they exacerbated the suffering. A call for Hamas to disarm and transfer authority to a national committee was mentioned as a secondary point. The statement came amid heavy rains that flooded tent cities in Gaza over the weekend. Peace Now claimed to have pressured Israel for months to approve essential materials, in line with commitments made under the Sharm el-Sheikh agreement.
