Netanyahu gathers cabinet members to discuss the next stage of the Gaza conflict and humanitarian assistance
In a shocking turn of events, the Israeli government is considering escalating its offensive in Gaza and potentially resuming aid to the region, following a close call with a missile launched from Yemen by the Houthi militia near Ben Gurion Airport.
Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, announcing this decision via a video message on social media platform X, called for an urgent security cabinet meeting to discuss the next steps in the ongoing conflict. Although the specifics of what will be discussed at the meeting remain unclear, the military has already issued call-up orders for its reserve forces to expand the Gaza campaign, according to reports.
Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, Israel's top military commander, explained that their primary objective is to increase pressure, with the ultimate goal of securing the release of hostages and defeating Hamas. Israel currently controls around a third of Gaza's territory but has faced intense international scrutiny over its aid blockade, which was reimposed in March following the collapse of a U.S.-backed ceasefire that had temporarily halted fighting for two months.
Controversies Over Aid Distribution
The issue of aid distribution has become a heated topic within Israeli leadership and the defense establishment. Some politicians have proposed a more aggressive approach, urging Israeli troops to seize Gaza and even distribute aid themselves. However, military commanders like Zamir have resisted this idea, stating that troops would not be involved in aid distribution and that he will not allow the population of Gaza to starve.
This position has angered hardline politicians such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who had hoped for a more confrontational approach. Meanwhile, international humanitarian organizations have raised concerns about the blockade, with some stating that the conditions imposed on aid delivery contravene fundamental humanitarian principles and could worsen the crisis in Gaza.
This escalation in Gaza comes after Israel launched its campaign in response to a Hamas attack in October 2023 that killed over 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. Since then, the conflict has claimed over 52,000 lives, devastated the Gaza Strip, and pushed its 2.3 million inhabitants to the brink of survival, with aid supplies dwindling rapidly due to the blockade.
Gaza Humanitarian Crisis: Current Situation
As of March 2025, the complete ban on humanitarian aid supplies entering Gaza has worsened the already dire situation, resulting in emptied markets, malnutrition among children, and warnings of famine. The blockade, imposed since October 2023, has severely limited essential supplies such as food, water, medicine, fuel, and electricity. The situation urgently demands a comprehensive and immediate solution for the suffering populace.
References:[1] International Medical Corps: Effects of Gaza Aid Blockade on Civilians. Retrieved from: https://www.imcworldwide.org/news/effects-of-gaza-aid-blockade-on-civilians/
[1] Disasters Emergency Committee: Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza. Retrieved from: https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/gaza-crisis
[1] United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA): Gaza Crisis Factsheet. Retrieved from: https://ochaopt.org/sites/default/files/gaza_crisis_factsheet_march_2025.pdf
- In the midst of political debates, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich expresses discontent over Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir's stance on troops not being involved in aid distribution during the Gaza crisis.
- Amidst the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Gaza, the distribution of aid supplies has become a significant point of contention between Israeli politicians and military commanders.
- General news reports highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the blockade has led to food scarcity, malnutrition among children, and the threat of famine, as aid supplies continue to dwindle.
