Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to halt all humanitarian aid to Gaza. His office announced on Sunday that no goods or supplies would enter the territory until Hamas agrees to a US-backed ceasefire extension.
Far-right members of Netanyahu’s coalition praised the move. They urged the government to escalate military action against Gaza until Hamas is destroyed or surrenders.
Far-Right Ministers Push for Total War
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a key figure in Netanyahu’s government, called the aid cutoff “an important step.” He demanded that Israel stop all humanitarian assistance until Hamas is eliminated and all Israeli hostages are released.
“We are at the threshold of the gates of hell,” Smotrich declared. “Now we need to open those gates as quickly and lethally as possible.”
Deputy Speaker of the Knesset Nissim Vaturi echoed this stance. He called for bombing food warehouses in Gaza, insisting that Palestinians must “feel that the gates of hell have truly opened.”
Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also supported cutting off electricity and water supplies to Gaza. He argued that only extreme pressure would force Hamas to release the Israeli captives.
US-Backed Ceasefire Proposal Rejected
Washington has proposed a temporary ceasefire deal. Under its terms, Hamas would release half of the remaining hostages—both living and deceased—on the first day.
Hamas rejected this approach. It insists on implementing the second phase of the original agreement. The group warned that Israel bears full responsibility for the hostages’ fate.
Netanyahu’s Threats and US Support
Netanyahu has repeatedly vowed to “open the gates of hell” if Hamas does not return all captives. In a statement with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, he emphasized a joint strategy with Washington.
“We will eliminate Hamas’ military capability and its political rule in Gaza,” Netanyahu said. “We will ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel.”
Netanyahu also praised President Trump’s “bold vision for Gaza’s future.” However, he did not reveal details of their shared strategy.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
The decision to block aid has intensified the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The region faces severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.
With Ramadan underway, international organizations have urged Israel to allow aid deliveries. But Netanyahu’s government remains firm on its blockade, tying all relief efforts to Hamas’ surrender.
Meanwhile, tensions continue to rise, with far-right ministers pushing for harsher military action. Their calls for destruction have drawn global criticism, but within Israel’s ruling coalition, they hold significant influence.
As negotiations stall, the people of Gaza remain caught in the crossfire of an escalating conflict.
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