Israeli protesters, including families of Gaza hostages and of deployed IDF soldiers, made their way to the Kerem Shalom crossing, between Israel and the Strip, on Wednesday morning to demonstrate against aid trucks crossing the border into Gaza.
The Mothers of Combat Soldiers foundation announced that hundreds attempted to block convoys of aid entering the Gaza Strip, saying that they are doing so to "help our fighting sons come out victorious in Gaza.
"Any aid to Hamas must be conditioned with disarming its forces and returning all hostages," member of the organization Hana Giat, whose husband and two sons are fighting in Gaza, said. "We are here to block Hamas's logistical re-supply points."
Protesters were seen carrying signs reading, "humanitarian aid is killing IDF soldiers." This comes after IDF soldiers were pictured alongside graffiti on a Gaza wall, reading: "Humanitarian aid = coffins," last week. The IDF said the incident was being probed.
Protesters set up tents near the border, sending a message that they are prepared for a long stay and that "no aid goes through until the final hostage returns."
Former Israeli security chief calls to halt Gaza aid
If Israel halts aid to Gaza, nations mediating between Israel and Hamas would increase pressure on the terrorist organization, former National Security Council chief Giora Eiland told Maariv on Wednesday.
"After speaking with many sources, I am convinced no pressure is being put on the mediators," Eiland was quoted as saying. "If aid to Gaza stops, countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt would be unnerved. They care about the Palestinians, therefore they will increase the pressure on Hamas.
"Currently, there is insufficient pressure on Hamas," Eiland analyzed. "Its members feel safe...we are those pushing for a hostage deal because their clock is ticking, while Hamas is not rushing to anything."
This is a developing story.