Israeli defence minister: ‘Hamas propaganda is influencing universities’

Israel’s defence minister Yoav Gallant has issued a warning about Hamas’ growing influence on universities and protests around the world. 

“Hamas propaganda is influencing universities and protests, and money is being poured in which is activating terror networks around the world,” he told Daily Mail. 

“This is a collision course between civilizations. Hamas represents a medieval phenomenon,” he added.

Gallant also defended Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, saying the Jewish state is fighting “fighting on the frontline of the free world against terrorism. When there is a fire in the first house, you have to stop it from spreading in the village and reaching the church. Israel is like the first house.

Hamas uses every tool possible, Gallant continued, “including sacrificing hundreds of thousands of civilians. They are capitalising on the humanitarian situation and using the civilian population. They have built hundreds of kilometres of tunnels under hospitals, school, etcetera. They are using hospitals and civilian infrastructure to protect terror infrastructure.

“It’s hard to bring democracies to fight wars but once we are in one, we are much stronger because we are fighting to defend our values,” he added.

As for the war in Gaza, Gallant said Hamas is suffering “massive losses” in the northern part of the strip and that the IDF is achieving its “military goals. Hamas terrorists have two options: die or surrender.”

Gallant praised Israel’s relationship with the UK, stating that the level of understanding and cooperation between the two allies in the field of intelligence “are at a peak and will only go further. We share the same values and interests, especially in the fight against terrorism.”

UK defence secretary Grant Shapps’ visit to Israel last week was “historic” Gallant said: “We haven’t had a visit by a British secretary of state for defence in 27 years. We deeply value our relationship and defence cooperation.”