Israeli intelligence believes that food supplies in Gaza could last for approximately one more month following the suspension of aid deliveries that began after the January ceasefire, according to a report Wednesday evening by Kan News.
Throughout the war, which began with the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and during the January truce, humanitarian shipments were regularly permitted into Gaza. However, much of that aid was reportedly seized by Hamas operatives, who either sold it to civilians at steep prices or stockpiled it for their own use.
Israeli officials are now hoping that the dwindling resources in Gaza will compel Hamas to meet Israel’s conditions, which include releasing the remaining hostages and agreeing to disarm. This strategy may also explain Defense Minister Yisroel Katz’s comments earlier in the day suggesting that Israel might soon restart the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
The Kan report noted that military leaders are currently evaluating possible alternatives to deliver aid in a way that ensures it doesn’t fall into the hands of Hamas. Officials argue that limiting access to basic necessities like food, fuel, and water is essential to ratcheting up pressure on the terror group, and that failure to comply with Israeli demands will only worsen conditions in the enclave.
On Wednesday morning, Defense Minister Katz outlined Israel’s strategic goals in Gaza and how they are being carried out by the IDF. “First and foremost, we are making every effort to bring about the release of all of the hostages under the Witkoff plan, and to build a bridge to defeat Hamas later on,” Katz stated.
Katz emphasized that halting humanitarian assistance is a deliberate step meant to weaken Hamas’ grip over civilians in Gaza. He added that Israel is exploring a new system to distribute aid through private sector channels, in an effort to prevent the terror group from exploiting relief efforts.
Facing backlash from some coalition members following his statements, Katz later clarified his position: “Israel’s policy is clear – no humanitarian aid is set to enter Gaza, and preventing humanitarian aid from entering Gaza is a key pressure tool that prevents Hamas from using means against the population, in addition to other measures Israel is taking. It’s unfortunate that some are trying to mislead the public.”
He concluded by reiterating that there is no current plan to resume humanitarian shipments. “No one in the current reality intends to bring any humanitarian aid to Gaza, nor are there preparations to bring any such aid. I emphasized that regarding the future, a mechanism must be built for the use of civilian companies as a tool that will not allow Hamas access to the issue even in the future.”
{Matzav.com Israel}