Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a new aid delivery plan for Gaza, which is expected to be implemented in the coming days. The plan involves creating a “sterile zone” in southern Gaza where Hamas will not exist and the population will be moved to receive supplies. However, aid groups have rejected the system, saying it enables Israel to use aid as a weapon and forcibly displace the population.
Despite an easing of the blockade by Israel, which has allowed dozens of aid trucks into Gaza, supplies are still failing to reach Palestinians due to delays and fears of looting. The United Nations has warned that food security experts have warned that Gaza risks falling into famine unless the blockade ends.
Netanyahu’s plan has come under heavy international criticism, with many rejecting the idea of relocating civilians from Gaza. Meanwhile, Israeli troops have fired warning shots at a group of international diplomats visiting the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank, sparking widespread condemnation.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in over 53,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction. The situation remains dire, with many aid groups struggling to reach the population due to restrictions imposed by Israel.
Israel has announced that it will end the war only if Hamas releases all hostages and steps down from power, a condition that Palestinians have rejected. The plan also involves the use of armed private contractors to guard aid distribution hubs, which has raised concerns among humanitarian groups.
The situation in Gaza remains uncertain, with many questions still unanswered about how the new aid plan will be implemented and whether it will address the underlying issues driving the conflict.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-hostages-05-21-2025-11444e8b684b983dbb64daa5854b7b14