Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed on Wednesday the exclusive report published in Israel Hayom, announcing that Israel will distribute humanitarian aid directly without Hamas involvement. Following this declaration, Israeli coalition members and the Hostages' and Missing Families Forum strongly criticized the defense minister, stating, "They promised the gates of hell, but in practice they're bringing in aid." Katz subsequently reversed his position, clarifying, "No aid is going to enter."
In his initial statement, Katz wrote, "Israel's policy in Gaza is clear and unequivocal. First and foremost, making every effort to secure the release of all hostages under the Witkoff framework and creating a pathway to defeat Hamas afterward. Also, stopping humanitarian aid that undermines Hamas' control over the population, and creating infrastructure for distribution through civilian companies in the future."
As exclusively revealed in Israel Hayom, the proposed plan would establish supply distribution centers – similar to logistics hubs – in southern and central Gaza under IDF control. International organizations employing foreign workers or Palestinians approved by the IDF would be responsible for distribution. Gaza residents would access these areas with minimal or no contact with the IDF to receive supplies.
Katz further stated that, simultaneously, the plan for the voluntary relocation of Gaza residents is moving forward. "The pressure on Hamas to implement the deal is heavy, and tension between Hamas and the local population is growing. For the first time, the Egyptians have also made Hamas' disarmament and Gaza's demilitarization a condition for a comprehensive deal and ending the war."
"The Israeli government is surrendering"
Following the announcement, coalition members began criticizing the defense minister, with the Hostages' and Missing Families Forum issuing a pointed response: "Many words and empty promises won't hide the bitter truth – Katz's plan is an illusion. They promised the hostages would come first. In practice, Israel is choosing territorial control over hostages. They promised to open the 'gates of hell.' In practice, they're quietly preparing to renew humanitarian aid. It's time to stop with the false promises and slogans. It's impossible to continue the war while simultaneously releasing all the hostages. There is one obvious and feasible solution – releasing all hostages in a single phase as part of an agreement, even at the cost of ending the war."
"The public needs to know the truth: while our hostages are starving in tunnels, and southern residents run to shelters during the holiday, the Israeli government is surrendering again and intends to transfer humanitarian aid to Gaza once more," Member of Knesset Avigdor Liberman stated.
After receiving this criticism, Katz clarified, "As I noted in my statement, Israel's policy is clear, and no humanitarian aid is going to enter Gaza. Preventing humanitarian aid to Gaza is one of the central pressure tools that prevents Hamas from using this means against the population, in addition to other measures Israel is taking – and it's unfortunate that some are trying to mislead. No one is going to bring any humanitarian aid into Gaza in the current reality, and there are no preparations to bring in any such aid. I emphasized that regarding the future, we need to build a mechanism using civilian companies as a tool that won't allow Hamas access to this issue in the future as well."
