Military ‘Pause’ On Gaza Road Triggers Political Dispute

Confidence UbaniJune 16, 20241 Mins read353

The Israeli military’s decision to implement a daily “tactical pause” for humanitarian aid along a key Gaza route has ignited a political dispute. The pause, scheduled from 08:00 to 19:00 local time, aims to facilitate aid delivery through the Kerem Shalom crossing.

However, according to BBC, far-right government ministers have vehemently opposed the move, seeing it as a potential setback to Israel’s war efforts.

Internal Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir labelled the decision as “evil” and “foolish,” while Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich argued it could undermine the war’s achievements by aiding Hamas. Both ministers have threatened to dismantle Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition if the war ends, as urged by the United States.

The announcement underscored the mounting pressures on Netanyahu, who is caught between pursuing his military goals against Hamas and managing the political demands of his coalition partners. The World Food Programme’s Gaza director, Matt Hollingworth, noted that while improved coordination with the Israeli army could help, insecurity and criminality in Gaza remain significant obstacles to aid delivery.

The war has exacerbated malnutrition in Gaza, leading to calls for more humanitarian assistance. Meanwhile, the conflict’s toll on Israeli soldiers has intensified public scrutiny. The funerals of eleven soldiers killed over the weekend have reignited debates on Netanyahu’s promise of “total victory” against Hamas and the feasibility of achieving it.