Jemima says Netanyahu “strengthened” Hamas

Discrete screenWriter and producer Jemima Khan recently took to social media to express her views on the Israeli-Palestinian theme. In a tweet, she suggested that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas share responsibility for undermining peace in Palestine.

In a tweet, Jemima made several claims about Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s alleged historical support for Hamas. It cited a 2019 statement attributed to Netanyahu in which he was quoted as saying: “Those who want to prevent the possibility of a Palestinian state should support the strengthening of Hamas and the transfer of money to Hamas.” Khan also referred to former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak’s statement in 2019, suggesting that Netanyahu’s strategy was to preserve the viability of Hamas, even at the cost of the safety of Israeli citizens in the southern regions. Barak argued that this approach made it easier to convince the Israelis that there were no suitable partners for peace negotiations.

In addition, Khan pointed to comments by Yuval Diskin, the former head of the Shin Bet, from 2013. According to Diskin, Netanyahu had helped strengthen Hamas throughout his tenure as prime minister

Israeli airstrikes hit a densely populated refugee camp in the Gaza Strip, killing at least 50 Palestinians as medics scrambled to treat victims in the enclave where food, fuel and basic supplies are in short supply. The health ministry in Gaza said Israeli air and artillery bombardment has now killed more than 8,500 Palestinians, two-thirds of them women and children.

The Israeli military said 11 soldiers were also killed in fighting in Gaza on Tuesday, the biggest one-day loss for the armed forces since Hamas militants attacked southern Israel on October 7.

Israel sent its forces into Gaza after weeks of airstrikes in retaliation for the attack, and an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) statement claimed airstrikes in Jabalia, Gaza’s largest refugee camp, had killed Ibrahim Biari, a Hamas commander who he said was “pivotal” in the planning and execution of the attack.

Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem denied that any senior commander was in the camp and called the claim a pretext for Israel to kill civilians. Palestinian health officials said at least 50 Palestinians were killed and 150 wounded. A Hamas statement said there were 400 dead and wounded in Jabalia, which is home to families of refugees from wars with Israel dating back to 1948.

Jemima Khan’s remarks underscore her commitment to achieving a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict theme. While her views on Netanyahu and Hamas have sparked debate, they also underscore the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict and working toward a peaceful coexistence in the region.

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