Israel to escalate Gaza offensive, conditional aid resumes
The Israeli government has unanimously approved a plan to expand its offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip and to resume the delivery of humanitarian aid. These decisions are conditional and will not be implemented immediately.
What do you need to know?
- Decision on the offensive: The Israeli security cabinet has agreed to expand military operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. This plan is to be implemented after U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to the Middle East.
- Humanitarian aid: The resumption of aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip will occur when the situation requires it. The new system is intended to prevent Hamas from capturing the aid.
- Context of the conflict: Israel resumed military actions on March 18th after nearly a two-month truce, deepening the humanitarian crisis in the region.
What are Israel's plans regarding Hamas?
The Israeli government has decided to expand its offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. "The Israel Defence Forces said Saturday night that it was sending out tens of thousands of call-up orders to reservists," says "Times of Israel." This plan is to be implemented after U.S. President Donald Trump's visit, which is planned for next week. Until then, Israel will seek to reach an agreement on a truce.
What changes does the new aid system introduce?
The new system for delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip aims to minimise the possibility of it being intercepted by Hamas. "Israel says it must take control of aid distribution, arguing without providing evidence that Hamas and other terrorists siphon off supplies," notes "Times of Israel." The wholesale distribution stage, which previously facilitated the looting of goods by Hamas, will be bypassed.
What are the consequences of resuming the war?
Israel resumed military actions on March 18th, worsening the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. UN reports that according to aid organizations, this has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the war-torn territory, including hunger. Israeli authorities emphasise that the blockade on aid was targeted at Hamas, which was looting transports and funding its terrorist activities.
