Egypt Daily News – Israel’s security cabinet has approved a plan to increase the distribution of humanitarian aid in northern Gaza through international organizations, according to a report from the Times of Israel on Sunday citing government sources. Official spokespeople have declined to comment on the decision.
The move comes after Israel endorsed the controversial Gaza-based humanitarian group tasked with aid distribution, accusing Hamas of diverting aid for its own purposes. The United States has also supported this new framework, though the United Nations has criticized the arrangement amid concerns over aid delivery effectiveness and safety.
The Gaza humanitarian group has faced scrutiny following deadly incidents near its aid points and until now lacked presence in northern Gaza, where other international actors have been operating.
Political Rift Over Aid Policy
The government’s decision has sparked sharp criticism from Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a prominent figure on the far right. Smotrich condemned the policy as a “grave mistake” likely to benefit Hamas, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of failing to enforce military compliance with government directives during the conflict.
In a post on social media platform X, Smotrich warned that aid entering Gaza under current terms could become “logistical support for the enemy during wartime.” His remarks come ahead of Netanyahu’s scheduled talks in Washington with U.S. President Donald Trump, where a U.S.-backed proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza will be discussed.
Humanitarian Crisis and Ongoing Conflict
Israel accuses Hamas of misappropriating aid supplies to support its fighters or finance operations, allegations denied by the Palestinian group. Meanwhile, the United Nations has painted a grim picture of Gaza’s humanitarian situation, warning that nearly half a million residents could face famine conditions in the coming months.
After a nearly three-month blockade, Israel partially eased restrictions on aid deliveries in May. However, in late June, the government temporarily halted aid shipments to northern Gaza amid security concerns.
Public pressure within Israel is mounting on the government to broker a lasting ceasefire, a move opposed by some right-wing coalition members. An Israeli delegation traveled to Qatar on Sunday to engage in talks aimed at a ceasefire agreement and the release of detainees.
Smotrich had previously threatened to pull his party from the coalition if Israel accepted a ceasefire before achieving its military objectives. The right-wing coalition maintains a slim majority in the Knesset, though some opposition members have signaled willingness to support the government to avoid collapse should a ceasefire deal be reached.
