Israeli expert explains how Biden has helped revive Hamas

• Published date: 12 March 2024
• Author: 103FM VIA MAARIV ONLINE
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

"This whole war is about patience," he claimed. "It may be that [Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya] Sinwar also thought that if Israel is now on the brink of [invading] Rafah and they offer him an interim deal saying 'You'll give up the ceasefire in Gaza,' the Israelis will waive their demand that all hostages be returned. You go after 40 living hostages, each brings a day of ceasefire, meaning you do Ramadan. The assumption was that it was good for everyone. I tend to believe that Sinwar looks at the map and says 'What do I need this for? If I've gotten this far and I'm not in danger, and humanitarian aid is flowing into the Gaza Strip, why should I go for a deal now? Let's drag it out.' The public opinion worldwide is gradually leaning towards Hamas."

The American influence in Gaza and the psyche of Hamas

He added further: "Look at what happened to the US position in recent months. Biden claimed 'I'll cut off their aid.' That's how Biden, in my opinion, revives Hamas. It's an oxygen tube for Hamas. A Gazan citizen who now receives American aid and food doesn't thank the Americans. Now, there are floating docks that are going to deliver two million portions of aid a day. I can send you a video right now of a blogger from Rafah telling what her mother prepares for lunch. There's food in Gaza. I think in populated areas, where there's population and all of Rafah, there's no shortage of food. There's a black market, there's...