The Washington Post described Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to allow limited humanitarian aid into Gaza as a “major shift,” coming after weeks of public and behind-the-scenes pressure from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, urging him to end the war.
The report revealed that close allies of Trump threatened to abandon Israel if it did not halt its military campaign.
According to the paper, Trump’s pressure intensified as Israel escalated its bombardment of Gaza and neared what was described as a “point of no return” in the war.
Citing an unnamed source, the report noted that Netanyahu knows how to end the war through the Knesset, but lacks the political will.
Netanyahu had previously signaled that he would allow the entry of “minimal” aid into Gaza to preserve American support.
He also admitted that while Israel plans to take control of “all” of Gaza, he was forced to prevent mass famine in the Strip “for practical and diplomatic reasons.”
During his regional tour last week, President Trump stated that “a lot of people are starving” in Gaza. He also excluded Israel from his visit itinerary and the multi-trillion dollar deals signed during his Gulf trip.
Part of a Deal
Separately, Israel Hayom reported—citing officials—that the aid delivery to Gaza was part of a deal for the release of Israeli captive Idan Alexander, contrary to Israeli public claims.
Channel 12 confirmed that delivering aid was the “price” Hamas imposed on Washington in return for the hostage’s release.
It also noted that U.S. presidential envoy Stephen Witkoff and hostage affairs envoy Adam Boehler “gave their word” on the deal despite Israeli objections, leaving Netanyahu with no room to backtrack.
On Monday, foreign ministers from 22 countries—including France, Germany, the UK, Canada, Japan, and Australia—demanded Israel “fully and immediately allow humanitarian aid” into Gaza under UN and NGO supervision.
A joint statement released by Germany’s foreign ministry said that the new Israeli mechanism for aid delivery was unsupportable by the UN and humanitarian organizations.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also called for immediate aid flow into Gaza due to mounting EU pressure and threats of sanctions, including from the United States.
Sa’ar said he had been contacted by multiple foreign ministers, and that both Democratic and Republican members of Congress had sent the same message to Israel’s ambassador in Washington.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the situation in Gaza as “unacceptable and intolerable,” saying the UK was working with partners to explore options.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also called the humanitarian situation in Gaza “unacceptable,” urging immediate access for aid to reach those in need. She emphasized that “humanitarian aid must never be politicized.”
Just 9 Trucks
Israel’s Army Radio reported that nine aid trucks carrying baby food and humanitarian supplies would enter Gaza “within the next few hours.”
In response, the Gaza Government Media Office said the Israeli claim of allowing nine trucks—even if true—was nothing more than a drop in the ocean of urgent needs.
It noted that 44,000 aid trucks should have entered Gaza over the past 80 days, while 500 aid trucks and 50 fuel trucks are needed daily, yet not a single grain of wheat has been allowed in for over three months.
The office held Israel and the international community fully responsible for the ongoing humanitarian crimes and called for immediate global action to open crossings and allow essential aid into Gaza before it’s too late.
For 79 consecutive days, Israel has enforced a policy of systematic starvation on Gaza’s 2.4 million people by completely sealing aid and medical supply routes.
Since October 7, 2023—and with full U.S. backing—Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, killing and injuring over 174,000 Palestinians, most of whom are children and women, with more than 11,000 still missing and hundreds of thousands displaced.
