Netanyahu Admits Pressure From Allies as Israel Resumes Limited Aid to Gaza

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP)—Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Monday that he choice to restart restricted assistance to Gaza Following an extended blockade lasting several weeks, pressure mounted from allied nations stating they couldn't provide Israel with the necessary backing to triumph in the conflict as long as "pictures of starvation" emerged from the Palestinian region.

Israel has been criticized by the United Nations, humanitarian organizations, and certain European allies due to its restrictions on the entry of essential supplies like food, fuel, and medication into the conflict-stricken area.

On Sunday, they announced their willingness to permit a limited amount of assistance into Gaza to avoid triggering a "hunger crisis." Nutrition specialists have previously cautioned about this potential issue. The blockade threatened to ignite a famine. In Gaza, a region home to approximately 2 million individuals.

The choice to allow assistance into the area is happening as Israel intensifies its assault on the Gaza Strip, claiming this is aimed at compelling Hamas to accept a truce agreement under Israeli conditions. On Monday, a military representative instructed the residents of Khan Younis, which is the second-biggest city in Gaza and has previously faced significant operations during the conflict, to evacuate their homes. Much of the region lies in shambles. .

Under the recently initiated aerial and land operation Israel intends to relocate hundreds of thousands of Palestinians and control the delivery of assistance within the region.

Netanyahu stated on Monday that the plan would involve "asserting authority over all of Gaza."

Netanyahu cautions about a 'red line' concerning Gaza

During the Trump administration, the United States — Israel's primary supporter — generally refrained from critiquing Israel's actions in its conflict with Hamas, instead casting blame primarily on the militant organization for causing the humanitarian crisis.

However, it has increasingly brought attention to the difficult situation faced by civilians in Gaza. During President Donald Trump’s recent journey to the Middle East — a trip where He didn't halt in Israel. — expressed concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, echoing sentiments shared by his Secretary of State Marco Rubio. During a trip to Turkey, Rubio mentioned that he was "disturbed" by the situation there.

In a video message shared on social media, Netanyahu stated that Israel’s partners had expressed worry over "pictures of starvation."

He stated that Israel’s "best friends globally," which included senators but did not specify particular countries, conveyed a clear message: "There is one thing we can’t tolerate. We can’t accept scenes of starvation, widespread famine. This is unacceptable to us. We won’t be able to back you under these circumstances."

Netanyahu stated that the circumstances were nearing a "red line" and a "critical juncture," however, it remained ambiguous whether his comments pertained to the crisis in Gaza or the possible erosion of backing from international partners.

"Therefore, to secure victory, we must find a way to resolve this issue," Netanyahu stated.

The video message seemed designed to calm the frustration within Netanyahu's nationalist supporters following the choice to reinstate assistance. Netanyahu faces opposition from two extreme-right coalition allies who oppose sending help back into Gaza. One of these allies indicated on Monday that they reluctantly agreed with this decision.

Netanyahu states 'limited' assistance will be permitted through.

Netanyahu stated that only "limited" assistance would be allowed in, without providing specific timelines for resumption. This minimal support aims to serve as a transition towards implementing a fresh strategy for delivering aid to Gaza, which foresees changes in how aid is delivered. U.S.-backed organization distribute aid In structured centers in Gaza that will be safeguarded by the Israeli military.

Israel states that the plan aims to stop Hamas from receiving assistance, which Israel claims it utilizes to strengthen its control over Gaza.

Humanitarian organizations state that the approach is impractical, as it fails to reach the most vulnerable Palestinian individuals. They also refuse to take part due to its misalignment with their core humanitarian values.

A representative from the U.N. mentioned that a convoy consisting of 20 relief lorries primarily loaded with provisions is anticipated to arrive on Monday. This individual was not permitted to conduct press briefings and thus spoke under conditions of confidentiality.

Israeli officials have not provided information on when the assistance will start coming in.

A photographer from the Associated Press observed at least three trucks filled with humanitarian assistance on the Israeli side of a border point near Gaza; however, these vehicles soon returned to Israel without distributing the aid.

Palestinians claim an Israeli covert operation resulted in the death of a militant.

While the aide awaited readmittance to the area, clashes persisted, particularly a pre-dawn assault in Khan Younis, a southern town, carried out according to local Palestinian inhabitants by an clandestine Israeli unit camouflaged as refugees.

A firefight led by the forces resulted in the death of Ahmed Sarhan, who was a key figure in thearmed branch of the Popular Resistance Committees, as stated by the organization itself. Additionally, they apprehended his spouse and offspring, reported observers from Palestine.

The forces attacked a civilian car and executed the operation with substantial aerial support, resulting in at least six fatalities, among whom was Sarhan, as reported by Nasser Hospital. It seemed they had what looked like suitcases and blankets atop their white vehicle during this incident.

The Israeli military did not provide an immediate statement regarding the alleged operation.

The conflict in Gaza started on October 7, 2023, when militant groups led by Hamas launched an assault on southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and the abduction of another 251. In response, Israel initiated a counter-offensive that has reportedly claimed over 53,000 Palestinian lives, with numerous victims being women and children, as reported by Gaza’s Health Ministry without distinguishing between civilian and military casualties.

___

Magdy provided reports from Cairo, while Shurafa contributed from Deir al-Balamah, located in the Gaza Strip.

___

Check out AP's reporting on current conflicts here. https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war