On Wednesday’s “Here and Now” broadcast on Boston NPR news station WBUR, Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) argues that Israel is not withholding aid and that Hamas is stealing it. , in response to a question about whether Hamas is stealing aid. He said Hamas had not stolen aid from trucks “apart from one particular incident on one day” and expressed concern that “Hamas is not in a position to organize and stop the trucks and take away food.” It has been announced. That’s not what’s happening. “There is a strong sense in Israel that Hamas is an enemy, but that it is sponsored by all Palestinians in Gaza,” he added. Therefore, we have no intention of accepting this assistance as long as the hostages are held. ”
Markley said: [relevant remarks begin around 1:20] “There is a strong sense in Israel that Hamas is the enemy, but all the Palestinians in Gaza are hosting them. Therefore, they will not accept this aid as long as the hostages are held. Please, I am a big supporter of Israel attacking Hamas, but starvation is not a legitimate strategy. In fact, under international law, this is a war crime.”
Co-host Scott Tong then said, “Israel’s response to some of these is – you know – not withholding aid. In Israel’s view, UNRWA’s logistical Blaming the UN agency UNRWA for the problem, Prime Minister Netanyahu said: Said, “Hamas is coming at gunpoint and stealing our food.” Do you share that concern? ”
Mr. Merkley replied: “They are not accurate. And we had international journalists look at these questions and found that it was Israel that was allowing the trucks to enter. We asked our agency, our intelligence agency, “Is Hamas parked these trucks?” for official documentation. The answer is always “no,” except for one particular incident on one day. . Hamas is not in a position to organize and stop the trucks and take away food. That’s not what’s happening. ”
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