Ben-Gvir: No aid should be distributed in Gaza, even by Israeli military
Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has reiterated his staunch opposition to any aid entering Gaza after Israel’s cabinet approved a plan for the military to take over humanitarian relief deliveries.
“The only aid that should enter Gaza is aid for voluntary migration,” said Ben-Gvir in comments carried by Arutz Sheva media.
“As long as there are hostages no food, no electricity, and no other aid should be allowed – neither by the [Israeli military] nor by civil society.”
Netanyahu threatens Gaza’s population ‘will be moved’
The Israeli prime minister has released a new Hebrew-language video message on X, addressing the cabinet-approved plan to expand the Gaza offensive.
According to translated excerpts reported by Reuters, Netanyahu said Gaza’s Palestinian population “will be moved, for its own protection”. Eighteen months of Israeli attacks have killed more than 52,000, including thousands of children, and wounded nearly 120,000 others.
Netanyahu also said Israeli soldiers would not go into Gaza, launch raids and then retreat. “The intention is the opposite of that,” he said.
Hamas rejects Israel’s Gaza ‘conquest’ threats: Senior official
Speaking to Al Jazeera, senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi has rejected any Israeli plans that involve capturing Gaza. The statement comes amid reports that Israel has drawn up plans for the “conquest” and indefinite occupation of the territory.
Mardawi said the group would only accept a deal with Israel that includes a comprehensive ceasefire and the complete withdrawal from Gaza.
“Our people have no choice but to achieve a comprehensive deal that guarantees security and safety for our people,” he said. He said any Israeli efforts to achieve concessions through threats or mass killings would fail.
‘Game of chicken’ within Israeli government over Gaza war
The announcement of escalating the war on Gaza with the call-up of tens of thousands of soldiers has exposed the deep political divisions within the Israeli government over the danger of long-term occupation of the Strip, a political analyst says.
“The sense I get is this is a game of chicken that’s being played inside the Netanyahu government. Who will lead this? The settlers are certainly committed, and the hard-right is certainly committed. Netanyahu and his ministers don’t want to be a part of this. They are throwing warnings and disclaimers all about, leaking things to the media,” Ori Goldberg told Al Jazeera.
“They are talking about the severity of [military] chief of staff Zamir’s plan for Israeli forces and the hostages. That all tells me we’re looking at a group of Israelis that’s quite afraid to proceed – no matter how brash the rhetoric is.”
