Tensions soared as the European Union’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, accused Israel of financing Hamas, a Palestinian militant group. Borrell claimed: “Hamas was financed by the Israeli government in an attempt to weaken the Palestinian Authority.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vehemently denied the allegations.
Ophir Falk, Netanyahu’s top foreign policy adviser said: “Mr Borrell is wrong. Far from seeking to strengthen Hamas…Netanyahu hit Hamas hard in three large-scale military operations.”
Borrell, responsible for EU foreign policy, went on to stress the necessity of creating a Palestinian state. He said: “The only solution is to create two states…imposed from the outside.”
The Israeli government strongly rejected Borrell’s claims.
Mr Falk highlighted efforts to combat Hamas, adding: “After the October 7 massacre…Netanyahu’s war cabinet directed the Israeli army to destroy Hamas.”
Borrell’s remarks come just days before EU foreign ministers meet counterparts from Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and key Arab countries in Brussels.
The ministers will discuss the Israel-Hamas conflict and future peace prospects. Simultaneously, the EU plans to announce new sanctions on Hamas.
The European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, linked to the dismantling of Hamas and the release of hostages. This followed Netanyahu’s rejection of an independent Palestinian state.
Accusations of Israeli support for Hamas terrorists, including Qatari financing of Gaza, have been made before. Netanyahu denied allowing Qatar to fund Hamas, but in 2019, Politico reports he said: “Anyone who wants to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state needs to support strengthening Hamas.”
