BREAKING NEWS

Israel denies Belgian minister's request to visit Gaza

Israel has denied Belgian International Development Minister Charles Michel's request to visit the Gaza Strip, Israel Radio reported Sunday evening.
Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon told the Belgian minister that Israel could not authorize the request, as official visits to the Strip are interpreted as giving legitimacy to Hamas.
Ayalon added that any humanitarian aid that Belgium passes onto Hamas would, in the end, be embezzled by terrorists, and would not reach those in need.