Israel Pushes for Full Gaza Occupation Amid Aid Concerns and Diplomatic Tensions

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Israel Pushes for Full Gaza Occupation Amid International Aid Concerns and Diplomatic Tensions

 

The Israeli cabinet has approved a controversial strategy to occupy the entire Gaza Strip, deepening a conflict that has already devastated the enclave and triggered widespread international alarm. Under the new plan, private contractors will be used to distribute humanitarian aid, replacing Israeli soldiers in direct civilian contact. This shift, officials say, will allow military personnel to concentrate on combat operations without the burden of managing aid logistics.

 

The decision marks a significant shift in Israel’s military strategy since it resumed fighting in Gaza last March. Initially focused on clearing territory district by district in a series of raids designed to root out Hamas militants, the Israeli military has now shifted to a longer-term occupation model. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s government believes this approach will exert maximum pressure on Hamas by holding ground permanently and pushing Gaza’s population further south.

 

As part of this effort, private companies—already employed in parts of the West Bank and Jerusalem to run checkpoints under military oversight—will now handle aid distribution in Gaza. The Israeli military has erected a network of new checkpoints across the strip, including the Netzarim corridor, which splits Gaza in two, and a belt that isolates Rafah from the rest of the south.

 

However, the United Nations and humanitarian organizations have denounced the move. A joint statement from UN agencies and NGOs operating in Gaza described Israel’s strategy as “designed to reinforce control over life-sustaining items as a pressure tactic.” The statement warned that “it is dangerous, driving civilians into military zones to collect rations, threatening lives, including those of humanitarian workers, while further entrenching forced displacement.”

 

UN officials have expressed concern that Gaza could run out of essential supplies within days. They dispute Israeli claims that there is sufficient food, water, and medicine to last weeks for the enclave's 2.3 million residents. According to the UN, community kitchens and bakeries are shut down, and aid warehouses are empty. In the absence of established humanitarian infrastructure and with UN agencies sidelined, countries and organizations that previously supported Gaza relief may suspend their funding entirely.

 

 

The Israeli government has made clear that the new approach is intended not only to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages but to permanently alter the landscape of the conflict. The failed hit-and-withdraw tactics of the past 18 months, which allowed Hamas to reassert itself in cleared areas, led Israel to conclude that only a sustained presence would be effective. Netanyahu’s administration now aims to establish a permanent security buffer by displacing residents from northern Gaza and holding territory indefinitely.

 

 

“We’re not going to play Whac-A-Mole anymore,” one Israeli official said, referring to earlier strategies that allowed militants to regroup. The military now plans a long-term counterinsurgency operation under the name "Gideon’s Chariots," a campaign that aid groups already warn is unworkable in both humanitarian and political terms.

 

Complicating the situation further is the upcoming visit by former U.S. President Donald Trump to Saudi Arabia. Israel has aligned its strategy with a new U.S.-backed plan aimed at pressing Hamas through a combination of military pressure and diplomatic engagement. Trump had previously threatened to withhold aid from Egypt and Jordan unless they agreed to take in Gaza’s refugees.

 

Arab states including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates are pushing back with an alternative vision: sidelining Hamas while funding reconstruction efforts and ensuring Palestinians remain in Gaza. Egypt, in particular, has put forward its own proposal that seeks to stabilize the situation without forced displacement.

 

Despite deep concerns from the international community, Israeli officials say they will allow a temporary grace period for Hamas to release remaining hostages during Trump’s visit. After that, the full-scale implementation of the new plan is expected to begin. Meanwhile, Hamas appears determined to resist until it receives a concrete commitment from Israel to end the war—something Israel has shown no intention of offering. Hamas, which has shown it has no qualms about tens of thousands of Palestinians dying and seeing the territory destroyed rather than surrendering, will resist giving up the hostages without an Israeli commitment to ending the war.

 

  Adpated by ASEAN Now from The Times  2025-05-06

 

 

[Cryingdick]

That's about all they can do.

[JAG]

I'm not sure that there really is an alternative, given Hama's often declared intention to continue fighting whatever happens, with the aim of destroying Israel.

 

If they withdraw Hamas will take back control, and the rockets and murder raids will begin again.

[Eloquent pilgrim]

 

Unfortunately, Hamas has left Israel with no choice; they must do whatever it takes to get the remaining innocent hostages back. Hamas are obviously never going to give the hostages back, or surrender. More loss of life on both sides because of this inhumane, barbaric, Palestinian terrorist organisation.

 

 

 

[stevenl]

2 hours ago, Social Media said:

The decision marks a significant shift in Israel’s military strategy since it resumed fighting in Gaza last March

Anybody could see this coming, despite the Israeli denials. It's a path to full removal of all Palestinians from Gaza.

[Eloquent pilgrim]

2 minutes ago, stevenl said:

Anybody could see this coming, despite the Israeli denials. It's a path to full removal of all Palestinians from Gaza.

 

And what about the innocent hostages, should they just be left there ?

 

Hamas could prevent this happening today, but you knew that already didn't you ?

 

 

[JonnyF]

Hamas left them with no choice. 

[coolcarer]

14 minutes ago, stevenl said:

Anybody could see this coming, despite the Israeli denials. It's a path to full removal of all Palestinians from Gaza.

Your comment makes no sense as usual. Who are the anybodies that could see this coming? Why does Israel need to deny something that never existed? 
 

are you forgetting who started this and who could have finished it months and months ago if they just released the hostage and gave up their terrorist arms?

 

Hamas <deleted> up badly on this. left no choice for Israel but who do you come and and blame again..................... 

[Chomper Higgot]

So the security zone wasn’t enough afterall.

 

It does however beg a few questions.

 

A foreign power takes control of a population, not just the territory but the supply of essential aid, displacing the civilian population and controlling their movements through check points while installing a permanent military presence.

 

Perhaps ask yourself if this were your country being placed under foreign military occupation, how would you, or perhaps more importantly other members of your country respond?

 

History gives us plenty of examples, very often armed resistance is the inevitable outcome.

 

Interestingly, ‘occupation’ brings with it very specific duties under international law.

 

More on those as they inevitably arise.

 

[Bkk Brian]

14 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

So the security zone wasn’t enough afterall.

 

It does however beg a few questions.

 

A foreign power takes control of a population, not just the territory but the supply of essential aid, displacing the civilian population and controlling their movements through check points while installing a permanent military presence.

 

Perhaps ask yourself if this were your country being placed under foreign military occupation, how would you, or perhaps more importantly other members of your country respond?

 

History gives us plenty of examples, very often armed resistance is the inevitable outcome.

 

Interestingly, ‘occupation’ brings with it very specific duties under international law.

 

More on those as they inevitably arise.

 

So Hamas never released the hostages after all.

 

As for aid, check Article 23 of the  Geneva Convention then read the OP.

 

 

[Jeff the Chef]

13 minutes ago, Bkk Brian said:

So Hamas never released the hostages after all.

 

As for aid, check Article 23 of the  Geneva Convention then read the OP.

 

 

 

How about some compliance with some of the other 158 Articles of the Geneva Convention?

[Bkk Brian]

Just now, Jeff the Chef said:

 

How about some compliance with the other 159 Articles of the Geneva Convention?

No idea, I was talking about food aid which is in the OP

[Jeff the Chef]

5 minutes ago, Bkk Brian said:

No idea, I was talking about food aid which is in the OP

 

Now there's a shock, FYI here is Article 23:

 

ART. 23. — Each High Contracting Party shall allow the free passage of all consignments of medical and hospital stores and objects necessary for religious worship intended only for civilians of another High Contracting Party, even if the latter is its adversary. It shall likewise permit the free passage of all consignments of essential foodstuffs, clothing and tonics intended for children under fifteen, expectant mothers and maternity cases.
The obligation of a High Contracting Party to allow the free passage of the consignments indicated in the preceding paragraph is subject to the condition that this Party is satisfied that there are no serious reasons for fearing:
a) that the consignments may be diverted from their destination,
b) that the control may not be effective, or
c) that a definite advantage may accrue to the military efforts or economy of the enemy through the substitution of the abovementioned consignments for goods which would otherwise be provided or produced by the enemy or through the release of such material, services or facilities as would otherwise be required for the production of such goods.
The Power which allows the passage of the consignments indicated in the first paragraph of this Article may make such  PROTECTION OF CIVILIAN PERSONS 177 VII.
Air transport Consignments of medical supplies, food and clothing permission conditional on the distribution to the persons benefited thereby being made under the local supervision of the Protecting Powers.
Such consignments shall be forwarded as rapidly as possible, and the Power which permits their free passage shall have the right to prescribe the technical arrangements under which such passage is allowed.

[Bkk Brian]

3 minutes ago, Jeff the Chef said:

 

Now there's a shock, FYI here is Article 23:

 

ART. 23. — Each High Contracting Party shall allow the free passage of all consignments of medical and hospital stores and objects necessary for religious worship intended only for civilians of another High Contracting Party, even if the latter is its adversary. It shall likewise permit the free passage of all consignments of essential foodstuffs, clothing and tonics intended for children under fifteen, expectant mothers and maternity cases.
The obligation of a High Contracting Party to allow the free passage of the consignments indicated in the preceding paragraph is subject to the condition that this Party is satisfied that there are no serious reasons for fearing:
a) that the consignments may be diverted from their destination,
b) that the control may not be effective, or
c) that a definite advantage may accrue to the military efforts or economy of the enemy through the substitution of the abovementioned consignments for goods which would otherwise be provided or produced by the enemy or through the release of such material, services or facilities as would otherwise be required for the production of such goods.
The Power which allows the passage of the consignments indicated in the first paragraph of this Article may make such  PROTECTION OF CIVILIAN PERSONS 177 VII.
Air transport Consignments of medical supplies, food and clothing permission conditional on the distribution to the persons benefited thereby being made under the local supervision of the Protecting Powers.
Such consignments shall be forwarded as rapidly as possible, and the Power which permits their free passage shall have the right to prescribe the technical arrangements under which such passage is allowed.

You missed this bit:

 

 

[Chomper Higgot]

18 minutes ago, Jeff the Chef said:

 

Now there's a shock, FYI here is Article 23:

 

ART. 23. — Each High Contracting Party shall allow the free passage of all consignments of medical and hospital stores and objects necessary for religious worship intended only for civilians of another High Contracting Party, even if the latter is its adversary. It shall likewise permit the free passage of all consignments of essential foodstuffs, clothing and tonics intended for children under fifteen, expectant mothers and maternity cases.
The obligation of a High Contracting Party to allow the free passage of the consignments indicated in the preceding paragraph is subject to the condition that this Party is satisfied that there are no serious reasons for fearing:
a) that the consignments may be diverted from their destination,
b) that the control may not be effective, or
c) that a definite advantage may accrue to the military efforts or economy of the enemy through the substitution of the abovementioned consignments for goods which would otherwise be provided or produced by the enemy or through the release of such material, services or facilities as would otherwise be required for the production of such goods.
The Power which allows the passage of the consignments indicated in the first paragraph of this Article may make such  PROTECTION OF CIVILIAN PERSONS 177 VII.
Air transport Consignments of medical supplies, food and clothing permission conditional on the distribution to the persons benefited thereby being made under the local supervision of the Protecting Powers.
Such consignments shall be forwarded as rapidly as possible, and the Power which permits their free passage shall have the right to prescribe the technical arrangements under which such passage is allowed.

Occupation brings far broader responsibilities under international law, including prohibiting the forced displacement of the occupied civilian population and much more.

 

As I mentioned above, we can come back to these as they arise.

 

 

 

[Jeff the Chef]

16 minutes ago, Bkk Brian said:

You missed this bit:

 

No, it is all there, and so is Article 59:

 

ART. 59. — If the whole or part of the population of an occupied territory is inadequately supplied, the Occupying Power shall agree to relief schemes on behalf of the said population, and shall facilitate them by all the means at its disposal.
Such schemes, which may be undertaken either by States or by impartial humanitarian organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, shall consist, in particular, of the provision of consignments of foodstuffs, medical supplies and clothing.

All Contracting Parties shall permit the free passage of these consignments and shall guarantee their protection.
A Power granting free passage to consignments on their way to territory occupied by an adverse Party to the conflict shall, however,  have the right to search the consignments, to regulate their passage according to prescribed times and routes, and to be reasonably satisfied through the Protecting Power that these consignments are to be used for the relief of the needy population and are not to be used for the benefit of the Occupying Power.

[Bkk Brian]

6 minutes ago, Jeff the Chef said:

 

No, it is all there, and so is Article 59:

 

ART. 59. — If the whole or part of the population of an occupied territory is inadequately supplied, the Occupying Power shall agree to relief schemes on behalf of the said population, and shall facilitate them by all the means at its disposal.
Such schemes, which may be undertaken either by States or by impartial humanitarian organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, shall consist, in particular, of the provision of consignments of foodstuffs, medical supplies and clothing.

All Contracting Parties shall permit the free passage of these consignments and shall guarantee their protection.
A Power granting free passage to consignments on their way to territory occupied by an adverse Party to the conflict shall, however,  have the right to search the consignments, to regulate their passage according to prescribed times and routes, and to be reasonably satisfied through the Protecting Power that these consignments are to be used for the relief of the needy population and are not to be used for the benefit of the Occupying Power.

Yes and the bit you missed is highlighted for you.................

 

The bit where they do not have to deliver that said aid because of it being diverted and why as the OP said they are making other arrangements.

 

https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/en/ihl-treaties/gciv-1949/article-23

[Jeff the Chef]

2 minutes ago, Bkk Brian said:

Yes and the bit you missed is highlighted for you.................

 

The bit where they do not have to deliver that said aid because of it being diverted and why as the OP said they are making other arrangements.

 

https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/en/ihl-treaties/gciv-1949/article-23

 

As already stated, Israel needs to comply with the other 158 Articles as well as cherry picking the ones that they use to excuse their conduct.

[Magictoad]

It was inevitable with Hamas using it as a base. Just a matter of time. Go Israel. Go Go Go.

[Captain Flack]

Off topic troll post removed @NickyLouie

[Bkk Brian]

3 minutes ago, Jeff the Chef said:

 

As already stated, Israel needs to comply with the other 158 Articles as well as cherry picking the ones that they use to excuse their conduct.

Tell you what, start a topic on the other 158 articles when Israel has actually implemented this plan and highlight which ones that are not being met. As for cherry picking, I am sticking to the OP.

[Magictoad]

Hamas are a death worshipping cult who have left the Israelis no choice.. Go Go Go Israel.

[JAG]

1 hour ago, Chomper Higgot said:

So the security zone wasn’t enough afterall.

 

It does however beg a few questions.

 

A foreign power takes control of a population, not just the territory but the supply of essential aid, displacing the civilian population and controlling their movements through check points while installing a permanent military presence.

 

Perhaps ask yourself if this were your country being placed under foreign military occupation, how would you, or perhaps more importantly other members of your country respond?

 

History gives us plenty of examples, very often armed resistance is the inevitable outcome.

 

Interestingly, ‘occupation’ brings with it very specific duties under international law.

 

More on those as they inevitably arise.

 

Chomper, you are (as so often) ignoring some brutally simple facts.

 

Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005. Hamas launched attacks (rockets, bombs and raids) against Israel virtually continually, culminating in the slaughter of October 2023. That is why Israel has now effectively reoccupied Gaza.

 

Occupying forces have responsibilities under various conventions; if there is a widespread hostile armed resistance movement along the lines of Hamas, then Israel is simply unable to meet those responsibilities.

 

This is without considering the widely witnessed and reported fact that Hamas takes foreign aid and diverts it to it's fighters.

[Eloquent pilgrim]

1 hour ago, Chomper Higgot said:

So the security zone wasn’t enough afterall.

 

Free the hostages and disarm and it will end; but freeing the hostages is not something that ever seems to concern you, because I have never seen you call for it.  

 

 

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Off topic troll post removed @Jeff the Chef

[ChicagoExpat]

I don't think I've ever heard anyone who supports Palestine/Hamas offer up a realistic suggestion for what they would do if in Israel's shoes.  For the record, I do not believe that Israel gets a pass on scrutiny of its actions, but the reality is they live next door to a terrorist state that said they would do October 7 over and over again, in perpetuity.