Israeli Defence Minister blasts 'Hamas propaganda' at universities and reveals Israel has helped thwart HUNDREDS of terror attacks in Britain and Europe in 'recent years'

The Israeli Minister of Defence has blasted 'Hamas propaganda' spreading across universities as he declared that his nation is 'fighting on the frontline of the free world'.

Yoav Gallant also warned that aid money raised by pro-Palestinian activists was being funnelled into 'terrorist networks' around the world in a briefing to the Daily Mail.

Mr Gallant accused Hamas of 'capitalising' on the humanitarian crisis as brave civilians trapped in Gaza publicly criticised the terrorist regime for stealing their food.

An elderly woman risked her life to tell an Al Jazeera reporter that Hamas was taking their aid packages 'underground' into the tunnels. 'Everything goes to their houses,' she said.

Another young Palestinian mother seen cradling her baby told a journalist: 'You send us humanitarian aid, but I swear to God that we get nothing.'

Mr Gallant spoke out to warn the British public of the true nature of Hamas. He took aim at hateful pro-Palestine protests where the level of open anti-Semitism has shocked the people of Israel.

The minister warned: 'Hamas propaganda is influencing universities and protests, and money is being poured in which is activating terror networks around the world.

'This is a collision course between civilizations. Hamas represents a medieval phenomenon.

'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. We are fighting on the frontline of the free world against terrorism.'

Mr Gallant also revealed that Israel has 'helped thwart hundreds of terror attacks across the UK and Europe in recent years' and declared the alliance with his nation and the UK has never been stronger.

The briefing in Tel Aviv comes after the Mail on Sunday told how Palestinians accused Hamas of looting entire neighbourhoods that have been evacuated since the outbreak of war.

For those in the UK still supporting the evil regime in Gaza, Mr Gallant pointed towards the revelations.

He said: 'Hamas uses every tool possible - including sacrificing hundreds of thousands of civilians. They are capitalizing 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.'

Mr Gallant also said he believed Hamas 'underestimated Israel's retaliation'. Israeli forces have already surrounded Gaza City in the north with fierce street to street fighting seeing hundreds of terrorists surrender.

Meanwhile a new offensive was launched in the south last week with hundreds of targets hit by land, air and sea.

Mr Gallant said: '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.

'In the northern region of Gaza, Hamas is suffering massive losses and we are achieving our military goals. Hamas terrorists have two options: die or surrender.'

Speaking after his British counterpart, Grant Shapps, visited Israel, Mr Gallant said: 'The level of understanding and cooperation between Israel and the UK militarily and 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.

'Secretary Shapps' visit was historic – 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.'

He also warned Hezbollah in Lebanon to 'ask themselves if they want the same things to happen in Beirut' as is happening to Gaza.

Mr Gallant said: 'We do not want war, but if we reach a situation where we need to establish our security here, we will not hesitate – just as we did not hesitate in the south.'