(PatriotPostNews.com) – An ultranationalist minister of finance for Israel has blocked a shipment of flour headed for the Gaza Strip due to its recipient being a United Nations (UN) program under investigation for certain involvement in the recent terrorist attack in Israel.
According to officials from both the United States and Israel, Bezalel Smotrich stopped the food shipment from reaching Palestinian citizens because it was set to go into the hands of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
The program has been accused by Israel of some members having direct involvement in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israeli towns that killed over a thousand innocents and kidnapped hundreds more. A number of countries—including the United States—have suspended funding of the UNRWA in light of an ongoing investigation designated by the UN.
The war between Israel and Hamas has been raging in Gaza since mid-October, resulting in thousands of deaths and forcing Palestinians to flee the area. Those who remain in the war zone have been receiving humanitarian resources, particularly food, every day.
Flour has been emphasized as food that is needed in much higher amounts, especially in northern Gaza, where residents are largely unable to get out for food because of the amount of damage to roads and the ongoing fighting.
Smotrich’s act of blocking the flour shipment has stirred up frustration with the American government—who first suggested sending the resources to Gaza weeks ago—and is seen as a breach of a promise made by Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu to President Joe Biden.
The Israeli finance minister’s actions are motivated by the concern that UNRWA’s receipt of the flour shipment will result in aid being given to Hamas. The shipment has remained at the Ashdod Port in Israel for the past several weeks.
While the war continues, mediating nations like Qatar and Egypt are working to end the conflict through ceasefires, which are supported by the American government. Most recently, a Hamas proposal to end the fighting, release all prisoners and hostages, and move towards peace was rejected by Israeli officials, who maintain that long-standing peace can only be obtained by the complete destruction of the terrorist group.
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