A Gift to Hamas? Netanyahu’s Gaza Aid Move Sparks Fury

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sparked intense controversy following his approval for the resumption of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip during a Security Cabinet meeting, despite fierce opposition from key ministers and hostage families. The decision, made without a cabinet vote, allows aid to flow to all parts of Gaza, not limited to specific corridors, and was justified by the Prime Minister’s Office as a strategic necessity. “On the recommendation of the IDF, and out of the operational need to enable the expansion of the intense fighting to defeat Hamas, Israel will introduce a basic amount of food to the population in order to ensure that a famine crisis does not develop in the Gaza Strip,” the statement read, adding, “Such a crisis would jeopardize the continuation of the ‘Gideon Chariots’ operation to defeat Hamas.” The office emphasized efforts to prevent Hamas from controlling aid distribution, ensuring it does not reach terrorists.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir vehemently opposed the move, demanding a revote, which Netanyahu denied. Ben-Gvir argued, “I don’t understand why we need to give them humanitarian aid. They have enough food there. We should bomb Hamas’s food storage facilities,” during a heated cabinet exchange, to which IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir responded, “These ideas put us at risk.” Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Settlements Minister Orit Strook also opposed the decision, with Smotrich previously threatening resignation over aid resumption, viewing it as empowering Hamas.

Defense Minister Israel Katz revealed coordination with an American company to operate four aid points starting May 24, stating, “We are coordinating with the American company, which will operate four aid points in the Gaza Strip. The company will be ready to operate the facilities from the 24th of the month. Within the coming week, we will probably have to make a difficult decision until it starts working.”

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing families of captives held by Hamas for nearly 600 days, condemned the decision, stating, “We are shocked by the cabinet’s decision, led by the Prime Minister, to grant a gift to Hamas without any return, while our loved ones are starving for nearly 600 days. We demand from the ministers Smotrich and Ben-Gvir not to allow this to happen and to stand by their promises to the public. If a grain of supplies enters the enemy, it is not only a betrayal of the hostages, but a knife in the back of the fighters who risk their lives in the war at this very moment.” The decision, has fueled outrage, with critics like the Tikvah Forum labelling it a strategic misstep that undermines Israel’s leverage in hostage negotiations and military objectives.