Imagine you’re trying to fill a leaky bucket riddled with bullet holes. You keep pouring the water in, but it continues to seep out of the openings – but you continue trying anyway.
This is the dilemma facing countries and organizations trying to give humanitarian aid to Palestinians suffering in the Gaza Strip as the war between Israel and Hamas rages on. In fact, this is precisely the predicament faced by those trying to do good whenever they send aid into a region of the world that is controlled by evil, greedy tyrants like Hamas.
RedState’s Bonchie recently reported on an incident in which aid being sent by the United Nations into Gaza was stolen by Hamas.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, located in Gaza, was robbed recently, with a large stockpile of fuel being taken.
According to the UNRWA, which put out a statement on Monday, trucks purporting to be from the "Ministry of Health" from the "de facto authorities in Gaza" removed the fuel and medical equipment from the organization's staging area.
Who are the "de facto authorities in Gaza?" That would be Hamas, though the UN agency is very careful not to mention them by name because they have long been quasi-allies. Not surprisingly, soon after the thread was posted, it was deleted.
Israeli Minister Israel Katz summed up the situation nicely: "There’s no reason to give [Palestinians in Gaza] anything until we eliminate Nazi Hamas."
The United Nations, along with others on the global stage, has roundly criticized Israel for laying siege to Gaza as it roots out Hamas terrorists. They point out that humanitarian aid cannot make it into the area because of the violence. Yet, this story clearly illustrates the reality that even if Israel were allowing aid into the area, the chances of it going to the people who actually need it are about as favorable as keeping Rep. Eric Swalwell away from Chinese spies.
Indeed, the question we must ask is: Are we doing more harm than good by sending aid into Gaza while Hamas still maintains its presence in the region?
We can start by examining the Biden administration’s perspective on the matter. The president has indicated he intends to “surge support” to the Palestinians suffering in Gaza. Unfortunately, given Hamas’ history of swiping any aid that comes into its territory, this seems like a fool’s errand.
Still, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has assured us that there is a “plan” to ensure that aid reaches civilians instead of being intercepted by Hamas. “If Hamas – in any way – blocks humanitarian assistance from reaching civilians, including by seizing the aid itself, we’ll be the first to condemn it.”
SEC. BLINKEN: “The U.S. and Israel have agreed to develop a plan that will enable humanitarian aid from donor nations and multilateral organizations to reach civilians in Gaza, and them alone.”
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) October 17, 2023
“If Hamas — in any way — blocks humanitarian assistance from reaching civilians,… pic.twitter.com/QokGZnHIQP
I’m sure Palestinians feeling the brunt of the war will feel better knowing that Blinken will say some harsh words about Hamas after they rip off much-needed food and medical supplies.
The Biden administration’s stance on sending aid to Gaza is woefully detached from reality. Unfortunately, even if private individuals or entities want to help those who are suffering in the area, the same outcome will materialize. It is essentially pouring water into that leaky bucket and then acting shocked and chagrined when it continues turning up empty.
While Katz’s stance on the situation might seem callous, it shows he understands what is happening on the ground. Sending aid to Gaza while Hamas still exists is not only futile, but it will only strengthen those Israel is fighting to eliminate. In essence, it makes things harder for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), who are working to eradicate the threat.
In light of these realities, it does make more sense to wait until Hamas has been destroyed before sending aid. Unfortunately, this is the only way to ensure that those who need the aid will actually receive it.
