New details have surfaced from the tense meeting of the Israeli Diplomatic-Security Cabinet on Sunday night, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told ministers that, according to IDF assessments, Gaza's food warehouses are nearly depleted and within days the Strip will experience a severe shortage. This was his main justification for allowing the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Netanyahu also said, "There is a global campaign about 'starvation in Gaza,' and we are facing pressure from our friends in Europe and the US." He emphasized that the measure was intended to be a "bridging period of a few days," until IDF-prepared distribution zones are operational to ensure that the supplies reach the population without being seized by Hamas.
However, according to the IDF's own presentation, only some of the planned zones will be ready by May 24. Until then, the aid will enter under the same conditions as three months ago—meaning Hamas could potentially take control of it. Additionally, Israel is not expected to receive any reciprocal concessions from Hamas for this gesture.
The announcement triggered a furious response from cabinet ministers. A source present at the meeting said nearly all ministers criticized Netanyahu, with some even shouting. The frustration was directed both at the substance of the decision and Netanyahu's refusal to bring the matter to a vote.
Behind Netanyahu's decision were multiple overlapping considerations. Given growing international accusations that Gaza is facing famine, Israeli officials feared potential allegations of war crimes, especially with no guarantee that US President Donald Trump or his political allies would come to Israel's defense. Republican senators known for their pro-Israel stance, along with friendly European governments, had also ramped up pressure to allow aid into Gaza. Israeli officials believed that if aid were not allowed in, the military campaign would be halted and the war effort jeopardized.
Another factor was French President Emmanuel Macron's reported intention to lead a coalition of countries that would unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state. Israeli political leaders believe that permitting the delivery of aid could help counter Macron's initiative. "We've delayed the aid for as long as we could. It's important to see the bigger picture," said a source familiar with the decision.
