Netanyahu Reviews Plan To Block Aid to Northern Gaza, Pressuring Hamas
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reviewing a proposal to cut off humanitarian aid to northern Gaza in an effort to pressure Hamas, potentially leaving hundreds of thousands of Palestinians without food or water. The plan, presented by a group of retired Israeli generals, would turn the northern third of Gaza into a closed military zone, giving civilians one week to evacuate. Those who remain would be treated as combatants, according to a copy of the plan The Associated Press reported it had obtained.
While the plan has not yet been officially adopted, some aspects are reportedly already in motion. Israeli officials have denied receiving formal orders to implement the strategy. Human rights groups, however, warn that the proposal would violate international law by using food and water as weapons against civilians.
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Hamas continues to fire rockets into Israel, and Israel has launched new offensives in the Jabaliya refugee camp. The US has voiced opposition to any plan involving Israeli occupation of Gaza. With aid cut off since late September, at least 400,000 people remain trapped in northern Gaza, according to the United Nations.
The proposal’s architect, Maj. Gen. (ret.) Giora Eiland, a former national security adviser, argued that starving Hamas into surrender is the only way to end the conflict, while human rights advocates fear the devastating toll on civilians.
