Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed his government’s intent to take complete control over the Gaza Strip, emphasizing that the militant group Hamas will not be allowed to seize or misuse humanitarian aid intended for civilians.
In a video statement shared on his Telegram channel on Monday, Netanyahu stated:
“The fighting is intense, and we are making progress. We will take control of all the territory of the Strip. We will not give up. But in order to succeed, we must act in a way that cannot be stopped.”
The Prime Minister underlined the dual importance of ensuring that the civilian population in Gaza does not descend into famine, stressing both practical and diplomatic reasons behind this priority.
“We must not let the population of Gaza sink into famine,” Netanyahu said, suggesting that such a humanitarian crisis could have serious consequences for Israel’s international relations and regional stability.
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Israel Kills 20 in Airstrikes, Eases Blockade Slightly
His statement came shortly after Israeli airstrikes killed 20 Palestinians, just as Israel announced it would ease the tight blockade that had been reimposed on Gaza. This blockade had cut off most humanitarian aid and came into effect in March following the collapse of a two-month ceasefire.
According to Netanyahu’s office, Israel would now allow limited amounts of food aid to enter the Gaza Strip. The move appears to be a response to mounting international pressure and rising concerns from global aid organizations, who have been warning of a potential famine in the coastal enclave, home to over 2.3 million people.
Aid Trucks Expected, but Uncertainty Remains
Reports from Palestinian media indicated that approximately 50 trucks carrying essential supplies such as flour, cooking oil, and legumes were expected to enter Gaza later on Monday. Simultaneously, Israeli media reported that nine trucks loaded with baby food were also anticipated to arrive in the territory within the next few hours.
However, by late morning, a Reuters journalist stationed at the Kerem Shalom border crossing observed no visible aid movement into Gaza. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which oversees humanitarian assistance in Gaza, withheld immediate comment. A spokesperson said the agency would only address the media “when and if aid goes in.”
International Scrutiny and Humanitarian Crisis
The situation in Gaza continues to draw global condemnation. Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid, which intensified in March, is viewed by many international actors as a significant contributor to the growing humanitarian disaster in the region. Several aid organizations have sounded the alarm over the risk of widespread starvation, warning that without immediate and sustained food deliveries, millions of Palestinians could face catastrophic conditions.
The ongoing situation continues to centre on the precarious balance between security, humanitarian aid, and diplomacy as Israel escalates its military campaign and extends its control over Gaza.
Source: TBS
