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[Excerpts]

We are only now understanding the full extent of how dangerous ideologies propagated by Hamas and other terrorist groups have radicalized Gaza. The rescue of four Israeli hostages from residential homes, including the house of an Al-Jazeera contributor, starkly illustrates how deeply Hamas has infiltrated Palestinian society. Martyrdom is glorified in school textbooks, and violence against Israelis is encouraged on children’s television shows.

Since October 7th, it has become increasingly clear that too many of the NGOs and UN agencies in Gaza, meant to reflect the democratic values of the international donors that fund them, actually fuel this hate. Instead of promoting freedom and human rights, NGOs and UN agencies have openly and proactively supported or tolerated terrorist activities and spread antisemitic and extremist propaganda.

If there is to be a better, more peaceful future when Gaza is rebuilt and restored, donor government aid systems must focus on deradicalizing the local population. This starts with taking an active stance to make sure their money is not fueling incitement and furthering the cycle of violence.

For years, terrorist organizations and those associated with them in Gaza have benefitted from internationally-funded programs and infrastructure of humanitarian aid organizations, including using their facilities as cover for terror activities. In perhaps the highest profile case, evidence was found in March that UNRWA, the UN agency tasked with providing humanitarian support to Palestinian refugees, has more than 450 employees with connections to Hamas, including several that participated in the October 7th  atrocities in Israel. This information led dozens of donor countries to temporarily halt funding to UNRWA, although many have now resumed their funding.