Israel will 'take control of all' of Gaza, Netanyahu says
GAZA/PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES: Israel said Monday (May 19) it will "take control" of the whole of Gaza, where aid entered for the first time in more than two months as rescuers reported dozens killed in a newly intensified offensive.
With the Gaza Strip under a total Israeli blockade since March 2, the World Health Organization said the besieged territory's "two million people are starving".
Israel, facing mounting criticism over the humanitarian crisis, has announced it would let limited aid into Gaza and said the first five trucks entered Monday, carrying supplies "including food for babies".
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said in a statement that nine trucks had been "cleared to enter... but it is a drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed".
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric, who was unable to confirm the exact number of trucks inside Gaza, said that "none of the aid has been picked up" at a designated zone as it was "already dark" and due to "security concerns, we cannot operate in those conditions".
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited "practical and diplomatic reasons" for the resumption of aid, saying that "images of mass starvation" could harm the legitimacy of Israel's war effort.
In southern Gaza, the Israeli military issued an evacuation call to Palestinians in and around Khan Yunis city ahead of what it described as an "unprecedented attack".
The call came after the military announced it had begun "extensive ground operations" in an expanded offensive against Hamas militants, whose Oct 7, 2023 attack on Israel triggered the war.
Gaza's civil defence agency said 52 people had been killed in Israeli attacks on Monday across the territory.
Netanyahu, in a video posted on Telegram, said that "the fighting is intense and we are making progress."
"We will take control of all the territory of the strip," the Israeli leader added.
The UN's OHCHR rights office decried actions that are "in defiance of international law and tantamount to ethnic cleansing", citing the latest attacks, displacement, the "methodical destruction of entire neighbourhoods" and denial of humanitarian aid.
Netanyahu on Monday said that Israel "will not give up. But in order to succeed, we must act in a way that cannot be stopped", justifying to his hardline supporters the decision to resume aid.
FAMINE RISK
Israel said its blockade was aimed at forcing concessions from Hamas, while UN agencies have warned of critical shortages of food, clean water, fuel and medicines.
"Tonnes of food is blocked at the border, just minutes away", World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.
"The risk of famine in Gaza is increasing with the deliberate withholding of humanitarian aid."
Last week US President Donald Trump acknowledged that "a lot of people are starving", adding "we're going to get that taken care of".
A group of 22 mostly European countries, including France and Germany, said in a joint statement on Monday that Gaza's population "faces starvation" and "must receive the aid they desperately need".
Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir argued against any resumption of aid, saying on X that "our hostages receive no humanitarian aid".
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, also of the far right, defended the decision, stressing no supplies would be allowed to reach Hamas.
"This will allow civilians to eat and our friends in the world to keep giving us diplomatic protection," he said.
Israel's military said on Monday it had struck "160 terror targets" in Gaza over the past day.
"LIKE APOCALYPSE"
Khan Yunis resident Mohammed Sarhan told AFP that Gaza's main southern city "felt like the apocalypse" on Monday.
"There was gunfire coming from every apartment, fire belts, F-16 warplanes and helicopters firing," he said.
Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee earlier called on Gazans in the city and nearby areas to "immediately" leave the "dangerous combat zone".
AFPTV footage showed a helicopter over the city, while at Nasser Hospital, a young boy in a tracksuit was being treated as two other boys, both barefoot and bleeding, sat on the floor.
Further north in Deir el-Balah, Ayman Badwan mourned the loss of his brother in an attack.
"We are exhausted and drained - we can't take it anymore," he told AFP.
Hamas's October 2023 attack that triggered the war resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.
Militants also took 251 hostages, 57 of whom remain in Gaza, including 34 the military says, are dead.
Gaza's health ministry said Monday at least 3,340 people have been killed since Israel resumed strikes on March 18, taking the war's overall toll to 53,486.
As negotiators met in Qatar in recent days, Netanyahu on Sunday signalled that Israel was open to a deal that would include "ending the fighting", with all hostages released, Hamas leaders exiled and Gaza disarmed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
14 hours ago
- Straits Times
Russia asks UN agency to help solve question of US fuel at Ukraine nuclear plant
FILE PHOTO: A view shows the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant from the bank of Kakhovka Reservoir near the town of Nikopol amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine, June 16, 2023. REUTERS/Alina Smutko/File Photo Russia asks UN agency to help solve question of US fuel at Ukraine nuclear plant MOSCOW - Russia asked the U.N. nuclear watchdog on Friday to mediate between Moscow and Washington to resolve the question of what to do with U.S. nuclear fuel stored at a Ukrainian power plant controlled by Russian forces. Russia wants to restart the idled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which lies near one of the front lines of the war in Ukraine and once generated a fifth of Ukraine's electricity. The fuel question is one of numerous issues standing in the way. Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, told Reuters this week that restarting it was currently impossible because of the lack of a stable power supply and water for cooling. Russian nuclear energy chief Alexei Likhachev said after meeting Grossi on Friday that Russia was willing either to use the fuel, supplied by U.S. company Westinghouse, or to remove it entirely and return it to the United States. Westinghouse and U.S. energy officials had previously raised intellectual property concerns with Russia in connection with the fuel issue, he said in televised comments. State news agency RIA quoted Grossi as saying the IAEA was willing to mediate. Russia and Ukraine have each accused the other of shelling the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Europe's largest, raising the risk of a grave accident. Likhachev said Russia had prepared a "comprehensive plan" for the phased commissioning of the plant but it could only be implemented if all military threats were removed. The facility was occupied by Russia in March 2022, shortly its troops entered Ukraine at the start of the war. It has six reactors, the last of which stopped generating electricity in September 2022. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
CNA
a day ago
- CNA
Commentary: Why Singapore PM Wong's recent comments on Israel actions in Gaza are significant
SINGAPORE: Last week, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said that Israel's restriction of aid into Gaza may be a ' likely breach of international humanitarian law ' that 'cannot be justified'. The comments were the strongest so far by Singapore's leadership since the Hamas terrorist attack on Oct 7, 2023, and Israel's response. Beyond the language, the fact that Mr Wong made those comments at a joint press conference with visiting French President Emmanuel Macron was significant: Of late, Mr Macron had himself emphasised that Europe should 'harden its collective position' on Israel, including affording official recognition for a Palestinian state. This has come on the back of steps taken by the United Kingdom and Canada to denounce Israel's latest military offensive in Gaza, including the threat of 'concrete actions'. Perhaps what has raised eyebrows the most was German Chancellor Friedrich Merz 's recent comment that he could 'no longer understand' what goal Israel was aiming to achieve with its latest Gaza offensive. It was a clear break from Germany's longstanding 'reason of state' – a special responsibility for Israel on account of the horrors perpetrated against European Jews by the Nazis. These actions point to a growing consensus internationally – even in the West – that Israel should not be given carte blanche in Gaza. But where do statements end, and actions begin? HAS SINGAPORE'S POSITION SHIFTED? Following Mr Wong's remarks, Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim said he agreed with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who wrote in the newspaper Haaretz that Israel is committing war crimes in Gaza. Prof Faishal took pains to note Israel's contributions to 'Singapore in our early years', but said he thought it was time 'to be frank'. But while the Singapore leaders' remarks received much attention, they should not be seen as a shift in our position. Just four months after Israel began retaliating for Hamas' attacks, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan told Parliament during the Committee of Supply debates on Feb 29, 2024 that its ' military response has gone too far '. This followed his speech in November 2023, which outlined the three principles of Singapore's position: zero tolerance towards terrorism; the right of self-defence dictated by international law; and that necessity and proportionality should be accounted for if military action is required for self-defence. Put simply, Singapore's position that Israel was using disproportionate force was arrived at quickly. What is less talked about is Singapore's longstanding support for Palestinian aspirations, including its voting record in the United Nations on the issue, and its constant backing for a two-state solution. After the Gaza war began, the government and people have backed their support with actions: The Republic of Singapore Air Force has delivered seven tranches of humanitarian aid to Gaza, totalling over S$19 million, including via air drop operations. The Singapore Armed Forces, together with the Ministry of Health, deployed a medical contingent in April to treat Palestinians in Egypt. When compared to the likes of China, whose aid delivery so far amounted to US$2.75 million – broken down into six shipments of food parcels – Singapore has again punched above its weight in the international arena. AN INCREASINGLY ISOLATED ISRAEL INTERNATIONALLY What is also significant about Mr Wong's remark is that it mirrors the increasing daylight between support for Israel and for the Netanyahu government, around the world, particularly in the West. What began with robust Spanish support for the Palestinians grew into recognition (alongside Ireland and Norway) of a Palestinian state in May 2024, and has now broadened into criticism of Israeli conduct among Israel's closest European friends. The European Union has even moved to review the EU-Israel Association Agreement – the basis for trade relations. Trouble for Israel is brewing across the Atlantic, too. United States President Donald Trump's has reportedly expressed frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, owing to a divide between the former's desire to see an end to the war and the latter's defiance. Mr Trump has blindsided Mr Netanyahu on several other occasions thus far, including negotiating a new nuclear deal with Iran, and brokering direct agreements with Hamas and the Houthis that left Israel sidelined and vulnerable. The US president's high-profile trip to the Middle East just two weeks ago omitted Israel, which spoke volumes – and that is before one accounts for his decision to lift sanctions on Syria. To rub salt in the wound, Vice President JD Vance scrapped a planned visit to Israel, too, reportedly over concerns that such a trip would validate its renewed offensive into Gaza. It must be said, however, that the current wave of criticism remains just that. Whether the US, Europe, or others will apply more than vocal and symbolic pressure on Israel in order to change the situation on the ground remains to be seen. INTRANSIGENCE LEADS TO IMMOBILITY Nevertheless, prospects for ending the war remain bleak for one reason: Neither side in Gaza has come down from their hardline positions. For every move made by Israel that prolongs the conflict, Hamas has one of its own. It recently torpedoed a US-backed ceasefire proposal with additional demands. As US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said, the Hamas response 'only takes us backward', when the original intention was build momentum with 'substantive negotiations in good faith to try to reach a permanent ceasefire'. If external pressure is not working, perhaps domestic concerns will force a rethink, as discontent continues to percolate. In Israel, public letters by reservists denouncing the continuation of war and poll findings that indicate a lack of trust (at 70 per cent) in the government, point to Mr Netanyahu's precarious position. The latest survey conducted by the Pew Research Center reveals that 53 per cent of Israelis view the prime minister unfavourably. Likewise, in Gaza, support for Hamas has dwindled. Findings released by the Palestinian Center for Policy Survey Research show a significant drop in Gazan support for Hamas, from 64 per cent in June 2024 to 39 per cent in September 2024. In March this year, Palestinians also took to the streets in the Strip to demonstrate against Hamas, with chants of 'we want an end to the war'. This should make both sides realise that an off-ramp is needed quickly. If this is to happen sooner rather than later, consistent messages from Israel's friends – like the ones from Singapore – rather than hopping between unconditional support and shrill warnings, will be key.
CNA
a day ago
- CNA
Commentary: Why Singapore's latest statement on Israel actions in Gaza is significant
SINGAPORE: Last week, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said that Israel's restriction of aid into Gaza may be a ' likely breach of international humanitarian law ' that 'cannot be justified'. The statement was the strongest so far by Singapore's leadership since the Hamas terrorist attack on Oct 7, 2023, and Israel's response. Beyond the language, the fact that Mr Wong made his statement at a joint press conference with visiting French President Emmanuel Macron was significant: Of late, Mr Macron had himself emphasised that Europe should 'harden its collective position' on Israel, including affording official recognition for a Palestinian state. This has come on the back of steps taken by the United Kingdom and Canada to denounce Israel's latest military offensive in Gaza, including the threat of 'concrete actions'. Perhaps what has raised eyebrows the most was German Chancellor Friedrich Merz 's recent comment that he could 'no longer understand' what goal Israel was aiming to achieve with its latest Gaza offensive. It was a clear break from Germany's longstanding 'reason of state' – a special responsibility for Israel on account of the horrors perpetrated against European Jews by the Nazis. These actions point to a growing consensus internationally – even in the West – that Israel should not be given carte blanche in Gaza. But where do statements end, and actions begin? HAS SINGAPORE'S POSITION SHIFTED? Following Mr Wong's remarks, Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim said he agreed with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who wrote in the newspaper Haaretz that Israel is committing war crimes in Gaza. Prof Faishal took pains to note Israel's contributions to 'Singapore in our early years', but said he thought it was time 'to be frank'. But while the Singapore leaders' statements received much attention, they should not be seen as a shift in our position. Just four months after Israel began retaliating for Hamas' attacks, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan told Parliament during the Committee of Supply debates on Feb 29, 2024 that its ' military response has gone too far '. This followed his speech in November 2023, which outlined the three principles of Singapore's position: zero tolerance towards terrorism; the right of self-defence dictated by international law; and that necessity and proportionality should be accounted for if military action is required for self-defence. Put simply, Singapore's position that Israel was using disproportionate force was arrived at quickly. What is less talked about is Singapore's longstanding support for Palestinian aspirations, including its voting record in the United Nations on the issue, and its constant backing for a two-state solution. After the Gaza war began, the government and people have backed their support with actions: The Republic of Singapore Air Force has delivered seven tranches of humanitarian aid to Gaza, totalling over S$19 million, including via air drop operations. The Singapore Armed Forces, together with the Ministry of Health, deployed a medical contingent in April to treat Palestinians in Egypt. When compared to the likes of China, whose aid delivery so far amounted to US$2.75 million – broken down into six shipments of food parcels – Singapore has again punched above its weight in the international arena. AN INCREASINGLY ISOLATED ISRAEL INTERNATIONALLY What is also significant about Mr Wong's statement is that it mirrors the increasing daylight between support for Israel and for the Netanyahu government, around the world, particularly in the West. What began with robust Spanish support for the Palestinians grew into recognition (alongside Ireland and Norway) of a Palestinian state in May 2024, and has now broadened into criticism of Israeli conduct among Israel's closest European friends. The European Union has even moved to review the EU-Israel Association Agreement – the basis for trade relations. Trouble for Israel is brewing across the Atlantic, too. United States President Donald Trump's has reportedly expressed frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, owing to a divide between the former's desire to see an end to the war and the latter's defiance. Mr Trump has blindsided Mr Netanyahu on several other occasions thus far, including negotiating a new nuclear deal with Iran, and brokering direct agreements with Hamas and the Houthis that left Israel sidelined and vulnerable. The US president's high-profile trip to the Middle East just two weeks ago omitted Israel, which spoke volumes – and that is before one accounts for his decision to lift sanctions on Syria. To rub salt in the wound, Vice President JD Vance scrapped a planned visit to Israel, too, reportedly over concerns that such a trip would validate its renewed offensive into Gaza. It must be said, however, that the current wave of criticism remains just that. Whether the US, Europe, or others will apply more than vocal and symbolic pressure on Israel in order to change the situation on the ground remains to be seen. INTRANSIGENCE LEADS TO IMMOBILITY Nevertheless, prospects for ending the war remain bleak for one reason: Neither side in Gaza has come down from their hardline positions. For every move made by Israel that prolongs the conflict, Hamas has one of its own. It recently torpedoed a US-backed ceasefire proposal with additional demands. As US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said, the Hamas response 'only takes us backward', when the original intention was build momentum with 'substantive negotiations in good faith to try to reach a permanent ceasefire'. If external pressure is not working, perhaps domestic concerns will force a rethink, as discontent continues to percolate. In Israel, public letters by reservists denouncing the continuation of war and poll findings that indicate a lack of trust (at 70 per cent) in the government, point to Mr Netanyahu's precarious position. The latest survey conducted by the Pew Research Center reveals that 53 per cent of Israelis view the prime minister unfavourably. Likewise, in Gaza, support for Hamas has dwindled. Findings released by the Palestinian Center for Policy Survey Research show a significant drop in Gazan support for Hamas, from 64 per cent in June 2024 to 39 per cent in September 2024. In March this year, Palestinians also took to the streets in the Strip to demonstrate against Hamas, with chants of 'we want an end to the war'. This should make both sides realise that an off-ramp is needed quickly. If this is to happen sooner rather than later, consistent messages from Israel's friends – like the ones from Singapore – rather than hopping between unconditional support and shrill warnings, will be key.
