Israeli ministers clash with IDF chief over Gaza aid at cabinet meeting

A sharp dispute broke out during an overnight meeting of Israel’s security cabinet on May 5 between government ministers and the chief of staff of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), Eyal Zamir, over the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

The confrontation centred on the resumption of aid shipments into the besieged enclave, Caliber.Az reports, citing Israeli media.

Far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Orit Strook opposed any renewed deliveries, claiming food supplies in Gaza were still sufficient.

Their stance drew a strong rebuke from Lt. Gen. Zamir. “You do not understand what you are talking about. Your statements endanger us all,” he told the ministers. “There is international law, and we are bound by it. We cannot allow the population of Gaza to starve. The things you are saying are dangerous.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intervened in the heated exchange, reminding participants that “every minister has the right to express their opinion here. You may disagree, but that doesn’t mean they cannot speak.”

Zamir warned that conditions in Gaza were nearing famine levels and urged that humanitarian aid be brought in without delay. He further noted that if the ministers’ remarks contradicted legal obligations, it was the duty of the government’s legal adviser to clarify the matter.

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara confirmed that the government is required to act in accordance with international law.

Despite the tensions, the cabinet approved a military proposal to expand and intensify operations in Gaza.

Note that, at least 57 Palestinians, including many children, have starved to death in Gaza due to Israel's ongoing blockade, which has prevented the delivery of food, water, and critical aid for over three months.

The Gaza Government Media Office condemned the use of food as a weapon of war, urging international pressure on Israel to reopen borders. Video footage from Al Jazeera shows long lines of aid trucks at the Egypt-Gaza border, with some 9,000 children seeking treatment for malnutrition.

Gaza's humanitarian crisis has reached a critical point, with community kitchens and international organisations unable to provide relief. Residents report dire shortages, with many turning to scavenging for food.

By Aghakazim Guliyev