Israel, Qatar reach deal on resumed cash payments to Gaza
Families in the Gaza Strip will again receive monthly cash payments that were frozen in the wake of Israel's 11-day conflict with Hamas.
Israel announced Thursday that it had reached an agreement with Qatar and the United Nations to allow the regular transfer of cash payments to families in the impoverished Gaza Strip. Under the deal, about 100,000 Palestinian families in Gaza will receive monthly stipends of $100.
Qatar does not have formal diplomatic relations with Israel, but in coordination with the Israeli government, has provided Gaza with more than $1.5 billion over the past decade to help fund salaries, electricity and stipends for poor families in the besieged enclave.
Following its 11-day conflict with Hamas in May, Israel has blocked Qatar from moving the cash into Gaza amid concerns the Palestinian militant group could divert the money to fund its military operations.
On Thursday, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said he spoke with Qatar "to establish a mechanism that ensures the money reaches those in need, while maintaining Israel's security needs.”
