Conflict erupts in Israeli cabinet over humanitarian aid distribution to Gaza

A heated dispute erupted in Israel's security cabinet on April 23 over the distribution of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, with senior government officials clashing over how best to manage assistance following Hamas's rejection of a recent peace proposal.

Defence Minister Israel Katz proposed that the aid be distributed by either Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) soldiers or American companies, arguing that this approach would prevent Hamas from profiting from the relief efforts, Caliber.Az reports, citing Israeli media.

"This strengthens Hamas," Katz stated during the meeting. "The aid will be distributed by IDF soldiers or American companies."

However, IDF Chief of Staff Herzl Zimri rejected the idea, insisting that Israeli soldiers would not be tasked with distributing humanitarian aid. Zimri also sought to reassure the cabinet that there would be no attempt to "starve" the Gaza Strip, a statement aimed at calming concerns over the humanitarian crisis. "We will not starve the Gaza Strip," Zimri said, emphasising that the military’s role would not extend to handling humanitarian deliveries.

The dispute reached a boiling point as senior ministers questioned Zimri's stance, pointing to the approach previously suggested by former IDF Chief of Staff Dan Harel. "How is what you're saying different from what Harel Levy said, which you criticised?" one minister asked, challenging Zimri's position.

The row also intensified when Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a vocal critic of the military's approach, left the meeting room during the speech of the head of Israel’s domestic security service, Shin Bet. Smotrich later took aim at Zimri, accusing him of being disconnected from the political realities and saying, "You’ll have three minutes to speak in the High Court."

To recall, Israel has significantly reduced humanitarian aid to Gaza, leading to a severe crisis. Since March 2025, Israel has imposed a comprehensive blockade on Gaza, halting most aid deliveries and severely restricting access to essential supplies. This blockade has been condemned by international organizations, including the United Nations, which has described the situation as a "moral outrage".

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), a key provider of food and medical assistance, has reported that Israel has blocked its convoys from entering northern Gaza. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini termed this decision "outrageous," warning that it exacerbates the risk of famine and further suffering for civilians.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has documented numerous instances where aid missions were denied or impeded. For example, in November 2024, six attempts to deliver life-saving assistance to besieged areas in northern Gaza were blocked by Israeli authorities.

International leaders have called for Israel to allow unimpeded humanitarian aid into Gaza. On April 23, 2025, the foreign ministers of Germany, France, and Britain issued a joint statement urging Israel to comply with international law and permit the delivery of aid to Gaza.

By Aghakazim Guliyev