Netanyahu Orders IDF Plan to Prevent Hamas Control of Gaza Aid; Smotrich Criticizes Cabinet, Aid Resumed Temporarily

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to develop a plan within 48 hours to prevent Hamas from seizing humanitarian aid entering northern Gaza. This directive followed intelligence reports indicating Hamas was diverting aid from civilians. As a result, Israel temporarily suspended aid deliveries to Gaza until the military presented a viable plan to control the distribution. The Israeli security cabinet later approved a decision to resume limited aid entry into northern Gaza, reverting to previous mechanisms.

However, this move drew sharp criticism from Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who labeled the decision a "grave mistake" that would benefit Hamas. Smotrich also accused Netanyahu and the cabinet of failing to ensure the separation of aid from Hamas control and threatened potential political consequences if immediate action was not taken. Additionally, Israeli Energy Minister noted that Hamas demanded a reorganization of the aid distribution mechanism in Gaza. Meanwhile, local Gazan clans denied allegations that Hamas was stealing aid and called for United Nations supervision over humanitarian assistance.