Israel has ended a two-month blockade on Gaza by allowing some aid to enter the territory, marking a significant shift in policy. The move comes amid disagreements within the Israeli leadership about the country’s national priorities and strategy for addressing Hamas.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing pressure from right-wing allies who oppose sending food to Gaza, as well as foreign allies who fear the blockade would lead to famine. Meanwhile, top generals believe that a full re-occupation of Gaza would be difficult to sustain and dangerous to hostages held in the territory.
The delay in the ground operation also reflects Israel’s need to balance competing interests. Negotiations for a new cease-fire and hostage deal are ongoing, with Israel hoping to prompt Hamas to settle for less by threatening to withdraw troops. The U-turn on aid gives Israel more time to continue its bombardment of Gaza while negotiating with Hamas.
The resumption of aid is seen as an attempt by Netanyahu to sustain foreign support for Israel’s campaign and respond to criticism from the Trump administration, which warned of starvation in Gaza. However, the private company earmarked to distribute aid has not yet fully operationalized, leaving Israel reliant on established aid agencies.
Netanyahu’s balancing act has been criticized by international leaders, who have condemned Israel’s expanded military operations in Gaza and called for a return to delivering aid in line with humanitarian principles.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/19/world/middleeast/israel-new-invasion-of-gaza.html