Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem
Jerusalem, May 19: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel will maintain full control over Gaza and prevent Hamas from looting humanitarian aid, even as international pressure mounts to ease the blockade and allow food and medicine into the besieged territory.
In a video message shared on social media, Netanyahu acknowledged that unnamed foreign allies, including US senators, had warned Israel about the global fallout from images of “mass hunger” in Gaza. “We cannot accept images of hunger... We will not be able to support you,” he quoted them as saying.
Netanyahu admitted that the humanitarian crisis was nearing a ‘red line’ and said aid deliveries would be allowed under strict military control. “Resolving the humanitarian issue is essential to achieve victory,” he stated.
The blockade, enforced since March to pressure Hamas into accepting ceasefire terms, had choked the flow of food, fuel, and medicine, pushing Gaza’s 2.3 million residents toward famine. UN agencies, aid groups, and some European nations had sharply criticized Israel’s approach.
A new US-backed initiative, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, will oversee aid distribution through hubs secured by the Israeli military. While some aid began trickling in 20 trucks were expected Monday a UN official said the setup falls short of addressing the full-scale crisis. An AP photographer confirmed the arrival of three trucks at the Kerem Shalom crossing.
Israel insists Hamas diverts aid for its own use an accusation rejected by aid groups. Jake Wood, head of the new foundation, called Israel’s shift “an important first step,” but warned the distribution mechanism may not effectively reach the most vulnerable.
Meanwhile, military operations in Gaza have intensified. The Israeli army declared Khan Younis, the second-largest city in Gaza, a “dangerous combat zone,” prompting fresh evacuations.
Residents reported an undercover raid disguised as civilians, which led to the killing of Ahmed Sarhan, a commander of the Popular Resistance Committees, a Hamas ally. Witnesses claim Israeli forces, under air cover, broke into Sarhan’s home, killed six people, and took his wife and child into custody.
Inside Israel, the decision to allow aid has sparked political tension, particularly among Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners who oppose any easing of pressure on Gaza. Still, Netanyahu’s office defended the move as necessary to retain international backing for continued military operations.
As ceasefire talks in Qatar remain stalled, Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri warned that Israel’s ground assault risks the lives of the remaining hostages. “The operations by Gideon’s Chariots are a death sentence for the remaining Israeli captives,” he said.
Former hostage Arbel Yehoud, who spent 482 days in captivity, made an emotional plea in the Israeli Knesset. “I was beaten, starved, and isolated. Only negotiations can bring the hostages home,” she said, urging an end to the conflict.
With no breakthrough in sight and fighting showing no signs of abating, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen under the shadow of military escalation and political deadlock.