The IDF must present a plan within 48 hours to prevent Hamas from taking control of humanitarian aid in Gaza, according to a joint statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz on Thursday.
This follows recent reports of Hamas terrorists once again taking control of aid in the Gaza Strip and stealing it from civilians, the statement read.
Hamas taking control of food trucks
Shortly before the announcement, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich issued an ultimatum to Netanyahu, saying he would resign from the government if aid to the Gaza Strip was not immediately halted, journalist Amit Segal reported.
Additionally, former prime minister Naftali Bennett shared a post on X/Twitter on Wednesday featuring a video of Hamas terrorists taking control of food trucks that the Israeli government had allowed into Gaza.
Bennett explained: "Fighters in the field explained to me that these are the current orders: to allow trucks in without inspection. This is how Hamas continues to receive resources—money and power."
He concluded by criticizing the government's promise, stating: "Government ministers pledged that 'not a single grain will enter,' but as usual, reality is the opposite. Shameful."
GHF urges UN for help in aid delivery
On Tuesday, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) urged the United Nations to “publicly condemn the targeting of humanitarian workers in Gaza” and to partner with the group on a new system for getting food “straight to Palestinian families,” according to a letter delivered to UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
The letter also called on the UN to condemn attacks on aid workers and blockages imposed by “Hamas and other factions” and to “engage directly” with GHF to facilitate increased deliveries based on a proven distribution model, The Jerusalem Post previously reported.
Thameen Al-Kheetan, a UN human rights spokesperson, told reporters in Geneva on Tuesday that hundreds have been killed by gunfire or shelling from the IDF while trying to access GHF distribution points.
In response to an inquiry from the Post, the IDF confirmed it was aware of the allegations and is investigating the claims.
The military added: “Hamas is a ruthless terrorist organization that starves its own people and puts them at risk to maintain its hold on power in Gaza."
The IDF explained that its presence enables the GHF to operate independently, ensuring aid is distributed in an organized manner and that it does not end up in the hands of Hamas.