Netanyahu to Convene Security Cabinet on Gaza Offensive, Aid Amid Rising Tensions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene the security cabinet Sunday to discuss expanding the military campaign in Gaza and the potential resumption of humanitarian aid, according to two government officials. The announcement followed a Houthi missile launched from Yemen that landed near Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport.

In a video posted on X, Netanyahu said the cabinet would review "the next stage" of the war. Meanwhile, the Israeli military has already begun mobilizing tens of thousands of reservists. Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir stated the goal is to intensify pressure to recover hostages and defeat Hamas.

Israel, which currently controls about a third of Gaza, has faced mounting international calls to lift a blockade reimposed in March after a failed U.S.-brokered ceasefire. Israeli officials argue that Hamas has diverted aid meant for civilians—an accusation Hamas denies. However, aid groups warn of famine conditions as supplies dwindle.

The U.N.-led Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) expressed concern over Israel’s proposed plan to route aid through military-approved hubs, stating it violates humanitarian principles. Israeli media reported a possible shift to private foreign firms distributing aid in southern Gaza's Rafah zone, pending security checks on civilians.

The issue of aid has divided Israel’s leadership. While hardline politicians push for a permanent occupation and direct aid distribution by troops, the military remains opposed. Zamir has reaffirmed that soldiers won’t distribute aid and that preventing starvation in Gaza remains a priority—prompting criticism from far-right ministers like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Israel’s offensive began after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis and led to 251 hostages. Since then, over 52,000 Palestinians have died, with 2.3 million Gazans now reliant on scarce humanitarian aid.