Israel has reaffirmed its blockade on humanitarian aid entering Gaza, vowing to force Hamas into releasing the remaining hostages from the 7 October attacks. The blockade, which began on March 2, has resulted in a dire humanitarian situation in the territory, with more than 51,000 Palestinians having died since the conflict began.
Humanitarian charities, including Médecins Sans Frontières, have described Gaza as a “mass grave for Palestinians,” citing inadequate access to food, fuel, water, and medicine. The Israeli defence minister, Israel Katz, has stated that blocking humanitarian aid is a key pressure tactic on Hamas, saying it will prevent the group from using aid as a tool against the population.
Amnesty International has condemned Israel’s blockade as a crime against humanity and a violation of international humanitarian law, with the UN refusing to hand over the names of Israeli employees involved in the logistics centres for aid. Reports suggest that these centres may be established by the IDF, but details remain unclear.
Efforts by mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the US to restore the collapsed ceasefire in Gaza have hit stumbling blocks. Israel’s national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has stated that no aid will be restored until Hamas agrees to release the remaining hostages, who are believed to be alive or dead.
Israel plans to maintain a military presence in buffer zones in Gaza and neighbouring countries, including Syria and Lebanon, regardless of any hostage deal. The Israeli military has seized control of 30% of the Gaza Strip, describing it as an “operational security perimeter.”
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/16/no-humanitarian-aid-gaza-israeli-minister-israel-katz-hamas