Israel suspends Qatari funds transfer to Gaza

By Fatma Abu Esbitan

JERUSALEM (AA) – The Israeli government on Monday suspended the transfer of Qatari funds allocated to pay salaries of employees in the blockaded Gaza Strip, according to Israeli television.

The decision was issued by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to freeze the third stage of the funds, Channel 20 reported.

The broadcaster said the move came after a rocket was fired from Gaza but was intercepted by Iron Dome aerial defense system in southern Israel.

The Israeli government has yet to confirm the suspension.

Earlier on Monday, Israeli warplanes carried out an airstrike on Hamas targets in northern Gaza Strip following the rocket fire.