Netanyahu increases pressure for all-out offensive on Gaza
According to several Israeli media sources, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing for the army to take full control of the Gaza Strip.
While a meeting of the security cabinet was scheduled for Tuesday, August 5, it was postponed until Thursday. Instead, Netanyahu held a long discussion, almost three hours long, with Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and Defense Minister Israel Katz.
Partial reopening of private imports into Gaza
COGAT, the Israeli body attached to the Ministry of Defense responsible for civil administration in Gaza, announced a restricted opening for private imports into the enclave. This measure aims to increase the entry of humanitarian aid while limiting dependence on international organizations such as the UN.
A handful of local traders are now authorized to bring in certain products: essential foodstuffs, baby food, fruits, vegetables, and hygiene products. Each delivery will be subject to strict security checks. Israel claims it wants to prevent Hamas from interfering in the distribution of this aid at all costs. For its part, Hamas accuses Israel of deliberately creating a climate of chaos and famine.
Military plans under consideration despite the risks
According to the newspaper Haaretz, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir reportedly submitted several scenarios to the Prime Minister for a gradual intensification of military operations. The objective would be to have options on the table in case of a resumption of hostage negotiations.
But these projects raise serious concerns. The military high command reportedly warned against the risks of an offensive for the hostages still alive in Gaza. Some sources mention a growing gap between the government's political intentions and the army's recommendations.
Towards a total invasion of Gaza?
Israeli ministers, under condition of anonymity, confirmed to public radio Kan that an expansion of the military offensive was under discussion, including in areas where hostages might be held. The newspaper Ma’ariv even mentions a desire for a "total conquest" of the Gaza Strip, while channel N12 reports divergences between Netanyahu and Eyal Zamir.
This hardening of tone comes as the UN Security Council held a special meeting on Tuesday to address the issue of Israeli hostages in Gaza. An Israeli initiative aimed at putting the issue back at the center of international concerns.
Humanitarian aid still very limited
Israel lifted the total humanitarian blockade imposed in March at the end of May, but the quantities of authorized aid remain very restricted. The UN deems them insufficient to meet the vital needs of the inhabitants of Gaza.
Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, reiterated on Monday that "depriving civilians of access to food" could constitute a war crime, or even a crime against humanity.
Thousands of starving civilians seeking food
Since the implementation, on May 27, of a new aid distribution mechanism via a humanitarian foundation supported by Israel and the United States, at least 1,373 Palestinians have lost their lives – the majority shot dead by Israeli fire while trying to access food, according to the United Nations.
A group of independent experts mandated by the UN called on Tuesday for the immediate dissolution of this Foundation. They denounce the instrumentalization of humanitarian aid for military and geopolitical purposes, in blatant violation of international law.
Source: Libération, 06/08/25