Israel announced that, under the framework of security checks and monitoring mechanisms, local merchants will once again be allowed to transport supplies to the Gaza Strip to reduce reliance on aid from the United Nations and international organizations. International monitoring agencies have pointed out that Gaza is facing a crisis of famine, which has also affected hostages held by Hamas.
The “Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories” (COGAT) under the Israeli Ministry of Defense stated on Tuesday that a new mechanism has been approved to allow controlled entry of goods into Gaza through local merchants, expanding the scope of humanitarian aid.
The approved supplies include basic food items, baby food, fruits and vegetables, as well as hygiene products.
COGAT stressed that only merchants who have undergone thorough security checks will be allowed to participate in transportation, with all payments executed through bank transfers and subject to supervision and review mechanisms. All goods will undergo inspection by Israeli authorities at border crossings before entering Gaza.
This marks the first reintroduction of a similar mechanism since Israel halted the private sector’s supply of goods on October 8, 2024, accusing Hamas of using imported goods to strengthen its economic and military capabilities, leading to the temporary closure of merchant channels.
However, the effectiveness of this measure remains to be seen given the severe damage to Gaza’s infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Hamas is pressuring Israel on the issue of hostages. The organization stated that if Israel “permanently opens a humanitarian corridor and stops airstrikes,” they are willing to coordinate with the Red Cross to provide assistance to the hostages held in Gaza. Israeli official data shows that there are still 50 hostages detained in Gaza, with approximately 20 individuals potentially still alive.
A recent video released by Hamas shows Israeli hostage Evyatar David appearing emaciated, narrating his ordeal of digging his own grave.
Following the video’s release, strong condemnation has been voiced by countries like the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany. The Israeli Foreign Ministry subsequently announced that the United Nations Security Council will convene a special meeting on Tuesday to discuss the Gaza hostage issue.
As the flow of supplies expands, there is still internal controversy within the Israeli government regarding the direction of military action in Gaza.
According to Israeli media reports, Prime Minister Netanyahu will convene a small security meeting on Tuesday with Defense Minister Katz, Chief of Staff Zamir, and other military top brass to discuss military action plans in Gaza.
Reports indicate that Zamir will present several operational options to Netanyahu for government consideration. Netanyahu plans to later convene an expanded cabinet meeting this week and seek approval for a military operation to “fully re-occupy” the Gaza Strip.
However, this plan has sparked some opposition within the Israeli military, with concerns about the strategic and resource-intensive costs it may entail.
This military meeting almost parallels the initiative to transport supplies through merchants, indicating that the Israeli government is trying to strike a balance between military pressure and humanitarian concessions.
The United Nations estimates that Gaza requires aid from approximately 600 trucks daily. Despite Israel allowing partial entry of supplies and implementing airdrops, international organizations warn that without a significant opening of land crossings, the risk of famine for Gaza’s 2.2 million people will continue to rise.