In response, Israel’s security cabinet has increased military assaults on Gaza. All this while, they are trying to implement a new paradigm in how the humanitarian response is delivered. This decision comes against the backdrop of war, increasingly seen through the lens of civilian deaths and forced migration of the Palestinian people.
The cabinet’s vote to expand military operations aims to intensify Israel’s response to Hamas. Israeli elected and military officials promised that the IDF would respond with “a forceful blow” against the militant group. This step supports the nation’s efforts to reclaim leadership over the landscape. Israel’s stated intent is to drive the Palestinian civilian population southward into central and southern Gaza. This decision will add to the heavy toll on civilians amid worsening humanitarian conditions.
Alongside these military attacks, Israel’s cabinet reportedly voted to allow aid deliveries back into Gaza. We hope this new framework better navigates the fine balance of delivering humanitarian assistance with appropriate oversight and security. Tempers boiled over at some points during the negotiations. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Settlements Minister Orit Strook were extremely opposed to the resumption of aid.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir emphasized the nation’s obligation under international law to facilitate aid deliveries. He stated that any aid would be “designed to reinforce control over life-sustaining items,” a sentiment that reflects the complex dynamics between military operations and humanitarian needs.
NGOs working in Palestine have been sounding the alarm. First and foremost, they’re alarmed by the manner in which aid is allowed to be delivered. They have unambiguously stated that they will not answer the call to join any plan that contravenes globally accepted humanitarian norms and principles.
“The UN Secretary-General and the Emergency Relief Coordinator have made clear that we will not participate in any scheme that does not adhere to the global humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality,” – Aid agencies working in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Since mid-March, the Israeli military has carried out killings responsible for more than 2,400 Palestinian deaths. Since the war started, total casualties have exceeded 52,000. The Israeli government has essentially imposed a blockade on humanitarian aid for nine weeks now. This step is intended to force Hamas to release hostages. This brutal blockade—illegal under international law—has deprived millions of upward 2 million mostly civilians of basic necessities and has sparked worldwide concern about an impending humanitarian disaster.
In its new territorial conquest plan, Israel is doing the opposite. It aims to create a permanent imprint on those communities.
Recruiting operations
Tens of thousands of reservists are mobilizing for these operations. Their impact on overall military strategy and civilian life in Gaza remains to be seen.
The conflict remains dynamic, with far-reaching consequences for Israel, Palestine, and the wider region. As military actions escalate and aid frameworks are debated, the humanitarian crisis deepens, drawing attention from international observers and human rights organizations.
