Netanyahu funded Hamas to prevent a Palestinian state. Why did Hamas?

 In 2019, Benjamin Netanyahu, the then Prime Minister of Israel, reportedly insisted that Israel help fund Hamas to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state. This strategy was based on a few key reasons: 

1. Divide and Rule : Netanyahu's strategy was to maintain the division of power between the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and Hamas in Gaza. This division made it difficult for the Palestinians to unite and form a single, cohesive state, thereby preventing the establishment of a Palestinian state
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2. Weakening the Palestinian Authority : Netanyahu's government sought to downgrade the Palestinian Authority and boost Hamas. This was done with the intention of weakening the Palestinian Authority, which was seen as a potential leader for a unified Palestinian state
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3. Avoiding a Humanitarian Crisis : Netanyahu claimed that the funding was allowed to flow into Gaza to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe, not to strengthen Hamas. He argued that without these funds, Gaza would face rampant disease and hunger, creating an impossible humanitarian situation
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4. Maintaining a Fragile Ceasefire : The Israeli government allowed suitcases holding millions in Qatari cash to enter Gaza through its crossings to maintain its fragile ceasefire with the Hamas rulers of the Strip
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However, this strategy has been criticized for indirectly strengthening Hamas, which has been designated as a terrorist group by the US and European Union. Hamas has a stated goal of destroying the state of Israel, and its capabilities, finances, and weapons supplies have grown significantly over the years

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.  Critics argue that Netanyahu's policy of funding Hamas has backfired, leading to increased violence and instability in the region

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