Hamas is demanding that Qatar increase the amount of money it sends to the Gaza Strip each month to $40 million, to allow it to move ahead with a number of civilian projects in Gaza.
Hamas made its demand this week as party of efforts by Egypt and the UN to calm escalating security tensions between Hamas and Israel. Currently, Qatar sends $30 million to Gaza each month, in cash.
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Israel allows the money to be transferred after it reviews a detailed list of the residents and projects for which it is earmarked, although it believed that some of the money finds its ways into the hands of Hamas, which uses it to build up its military capabilities.
Qatar starting sending funds to the Gaza Strip less than two years ago. At first, the amount stood at $5 million monthly. It was increased to $10 million, than $20 million, and this past year the amount has grown to $30 million.
Now, in addition to asking for another $10 million per month, Hamas is demanding that the money be transferred on a regular basis and for a pre-determined "long-term" period.
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Qatar has yet to respond to Hamas' demand – among other reasons, because it wants to know where the money will go. Israel is also deliberating about how to respond, and the top diplomatic and military echelons have a few different ways to approach the issue.
One official has said that Israel must accede to Hamas' demand as part of a long-term truce with Gaza, whereas another official said that there were options other than sending Hamas money, such as approving projects Hamas sees as important, particularly in the fields of health care and infrastructure. The second official said that by seeking alternatives to infusions of cash, Israel would reduce the risk of the Qatari money "reaching places that could put Israel's security at risk."
Some officials think that a green light for the Qatari money should be hinged on progress in negotiations with Hamas to return to Israel the bodies of fallen soldiers Lt. Hadar Goldin and Staff Sgt. Oron Shaul, as well as captive civilians Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed. However, the prevailing assessment is that there is little chance of solving that issue given the high price Hamas wants Israel to pay.
Officials said that in any case, progress on all issues would be possible only if and when Hamas puts a complete stop to arson balloon attacks on Israel. They stressed that until that happens, the Qatari envoy will not be allowed into the Gaza Strip to deliver the money. Hamas has been informed of Israel's decision, and Israel is hoping that Hamas will meet the conditions, especially given the pressure Israel has been putting on the organization in recent days.
"We want quiet. The moment the fires stop, we will move ahead on the rest of the issues," a high-ranking official said.
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