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Netanyahu confirms arming anti-Hamas criminal groups in Gaza

Express Tribune

3 days ago

Politics
Express Tribune

Netanyahu confirms arming anti-Hamas criminal groups in Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during the annual ceremony at the eve of Israel's Remembrance Day for fallen soldiers (Yom HaZikaron) at the Yad LaBanim Memorial in Jerusalem, 29 April 2025. PHOTO: REUTERS Listen to article Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has admitted for the first time that Israel supported armed local groups in Gaza to help weaken Hamas, confirming reports of Israeli-backed Palestinian clans operating inside the besieged enclave. In a video message posted on social media on Thursday, Netanyahu said the government had 'activated' powerful family-based factions in Gaza, following advice from security officials. His comments follow public accusations by former Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who earlier criticised the secretive strategy. An Israeli official quoted by the Associated Press identified one such group as the Popular Forces, led by Rafah clan leader Yasser Abu Shabab. The group has been linked to Israeli-supported aid distribution centres run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a controversial entity operating under military protection. The acknowledgement marks Israel's first public confirmation of its relationship with these groups, which humanitarian organisations have accused of criminal activity and stealing aid meant for civilians suffering under the blockade. 'It's not going down well within Israel,' said Al Jazeera's Hamdah Salhut, reporting from Amman. 'These are criminal gangs being armed with Israeli weapons. There was no cabinet-wide consultation.' Read: Israeli airstrikes kill 43 in Gaza as suspended aid operations set to resume Chris Gunness, former UNRWA spokesperson, condemned the situation as a 'human abattoir,' blaming the Israeli military and its allies for creating dangerous aid conditions. Aid distribution sites closed The US-backed group behind the chaotic aid distribution programme in Gaza has said all its sites are closed, and has advised people to stay away from the hubs 'for their safety', reported Al Jazeera. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which began distributing aid last week, said in a Facebook post that details about reopening would be announced later. Operations at the group's aid distribution hubs were halted earlier this week following days of deadly violence at the sites, in which Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian aid seekers. Two sites distributed aid on Thursday. The GHF's approach has been fiercely criticised by humanitarian organisations, including the United Nations. But the US and Israel have pushed aid groups to work with it, claiming that aid distributed by prior, long-established distribution networks was diverted to Hamas. Palestinians observe Eid Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank observed Eid al-Adha on Friday, marking one of Islam's most sacred festivals amid ongoing conflict and deepening humanitarian challenges. Muslims participate in a special morning prayer on the first day of the Eid al-Adha festival at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem [Ahmad Gharabli/AFP] Across Palestinian towns and cities, worshippers gathered for morning prayers, many dressed in traditional attire. Despite the somber atmosphere in Gaza due to war and blockade, families shared modest meals and performed ritual animal sacrifices where possible. Palestinian men and boys perform Eid al-Adha prayers in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip [Hatem Khaled/Reuters] In the West Bank, scenes at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem showed thousands participating in early morning prayers, amid a heavy Israeli security presence. A father celebrates with a child at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem [Ahmad Gharabli/AFP] Photos from Gaza show families embracing beside tents, while in the West Bank, children clutched sweets and balloons after prayers Ceasefire talks Meanwhile, Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya said the group had not rejected a US-proposed ceasefire but had asked for amendments to ensure an end to the war. Talks with mediators are ongoing. Yesterday, at least 43 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, medical sources report, as a controversial aid group backed by the United States and Israel prepares to reopen two distribution centres after a brief suspension. The GHF announced on Thursday that it would resume limited operations, reopening two aid centres in Rafah following a full-day closure attributed to "maintenance and repair work." The group urged Palestinians to follow access routes designated by the Israeli military, which has warned that areas surrounding the centres could be treated as combat zones. The GHF's temporary closure followed multiple deadly incidents in recent days, in which Israeli forces reportedly opened fire on Palestinians attempting to access aid. According to Gaza's Ministry of Health, at least 27 people were killed and around 90 wounded early Tuesday near a GHF site in Rafah. Similar incidents occurred on Sunday and Monday, with more than 60 reported deaths and hundreds injured. The Israeli military has denied targeting civilians at the distribution sites, claiming soldiers only used warning shots against individuals not adhering to designated access routes or those posing a perceived threat. GHF has also dismissed reports of mass casualties at its facilities as 'outright fabrications.' Read more: UN says malnutrition rate among Gaza children triples However, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed receiving 179 casualties from Sunday's attack alone, with 21 declared dead on arrival. The organisation noted that women and children were among the victims, most suffering gunshot or shrapnel wounds. The intensifying violence has sparked international condemnation. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an independent investigation into the killings of aid seekers, demanding that those responsible be held accountable. The United Kingdom echoed the call, with Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer describing the incidents as 'deeply disturbing' and criticising Israel's aid delivery mechanisms as 'inhumane.' Israel's war on Gaza The total death toll from Israel's war on Gaza has risen to 54,418 killed and 124,190 injured since October 7, 2023, the ministry said, Al Jazeera reported. Israel has killed 4,149 Palestinians and injured 12,149 since breaking two-month-old ceasefire on March 18 this year. Israel's atrocities have displaced around 90% of Gaza's estimated 2 million residents, created a severe hunger crisis, and caused widespread destruction across the territory. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.

Israeli government hits back as international pressure over Gaza mounts

Straits Times

28-05-2025

Politics
Straits Times

Israeli government hits back as international pressure over Gaza mounts

FILE PHOTO: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the annual ceremony at the eve of Israel's Remembrance Day for fallen soldiers (Yom HaZikaron) at the Yad LaBanim Memorial in Jerusalem, 29 April 2025 . Israel marks Yom HaZikaron, the 'Memorial Day for the Fallen Soldiers of Israel and Victims of Terrorism'. ABIR SULTAN POOL/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo FILE PHOTO: \"Wanted\" posters with an image depicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lie on the street, during a rally in support to Palestinian people, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Athens, Greece, May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Louisa Gouliamaki/File Photo FILE PHOTO: A demonstrator holds a placard depicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a rally in support to Palestinian people outside the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, Cyprus May 26, 2025. REUTERS/Yiannis Kourtoglou/File Photo JERUSALEM - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government hit back at growing international pressure over the war in Gaza on Wednesday, amid deepening signs of division over the war at home, 600 days after the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. On Wednesday, Italy joined a growing list of European countries that have traditionally held back from criticizing Israel in demanding an end to the war, after Germany stepped up its language against the Israeli campaign earlier in the week. Netanyahu said last week that similar criticisms from France, Britain and Canada were "emboldening" Hamas and said the leaders of the three countries were "on the wrong side of history". Speaking at a conference on antisemitism in Jerusalem, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel was living through a time "when the ancient desire to eliminate the Jewish people has become stronger". "The new antisemitism targets the state of Israel," he said. "It uses demonization, delegitimization and double standards." He said organizations like the International Criminal Court, which has issued arrest warrants against Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza, as well as calls to impose an arms embargo on Israel, undermined the country's ability to defend itself. "Removing Israel's right and ability to defend itself can only mean one thing. A second Holocaust," he said. European countries have generally said explicitly that Israel has the right to defend itself. But there has been increasing shock at the scale of the destruction in Gaza, the deadliest episode in decades of conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. The Hamas-led attack killed some 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage into Gaza on the deadliest day for Israel since its foundation in 1948. Its campaign in response has killed around 54,000 Palestinians, more than in any other of the countless rounds of war between the two sides. Netanyahu has drawn direct links between criticism coming from Europe and a surge in incidents of antisemitism which he said was part of a war of "civilization against barbarism" unleashed by the war in Gaza. 'COMPLETE VICTORY' As Israelis marked the 600th day of the war, the chorus of international voices has echoed sharpening divisions within Israel itself, as the early unity forged by the trauma of October 7 has weakened and efforts to reach a ceasefire have faltered. Facing a debate in parliament, Netanyahu accused the opposition of hypocrisy after it said his government had completely failed to achieve its war goals. He said he would continue until complete victory over Hamas. He has dismissed charges that Israel was deliberately causing starvation in Gaza, where it imposed an 11-week blockade that was only relaxed last week after mounting pressure from close allies. However even the United States, Israel's most important ally, has appeared to be shifting, with President Donald Trump pressing for an end to the war and saying Palestinians in the enclave were starving and should be helped. Opinion polls have consistently shown a majority favouring an agreement to bring back the 58 hostages still held in Gaza. Families and supporters of the hostages have staged regular protests demanding a deal. "The return of the hostages is Israel's security. Most of the public knows this and is asking you for a decision," said Ofri Bibas, sister of released hostage Yarden Bibas, at a rally in Tel Aviv for the 600 days landmark. "You are failing in your refusal to do the one thing that will bring them all back -- declare an end to the war." However, Netanyahu has continued to enjoy the support of hardliners in his government who have spoken in favour of reoccupying Gaza and driving out the Palestinian population. A poll reported in the left-wing Haaretz newspaper this week found 82% of those surveyed supporting expelling Palestinians from Gaza, with 56% favouring expelling Palestinian citizens of Israel. The same survey, based on a sample of 1,005 Jewish Israelis, found nearly 47% believed that all residents of a conquered enemy city should be killed in a manner similar to what the Bible says the ancient Israelites did when they conquered Jericho under the leadership of their leader Joshua. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

Netanyahu resumes aid to Gaza, ending three-month blockade

New York Post

19-05-2025

Politics
New York Post

Netanyahu resumes aid to Gaza, ending three-month blockade

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday night ordered the resumption of aid to the Gaza Strip, effectively ending a blockade imposed in March. 'On the recommendation of the IDF and based on the operational need to enable the expansion of the military operation to defeat Hamas, Israel will allow a basic quantity of food to be brought in for the population in order to make certain that no starvation crisis develops in the Gaza Strip. Such a crisis would endanger the continuation of 'Operation Gideon's Chariots' to defeat Hamas,' he said, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office. Advertisement 'Israel will act to deny Hamas's ability to take control of the distribution of humanitarian assistance in order to ensure that the assistance does not reach the Hamas terrorists,' the statement added. The move comes as a new U.S.-backed group, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), is set to begin operations in the Strip by the end of the month. The group aims to provide aid through a plan endorsed by Israel and supported by private American firms. 3 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during the annual ceremony at the eve of Israel's Remembrance Day for fallen soldiers (Yom HaZikaron) at the Yad LaBanim Memorial in Jerusalem on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. AP The foundation has asked Israel to allow international aid groups to resume deliveries under current procedures until its infrastructure is in place. No humanitarian assistance has entered Gaza since March 2. Advertisement GHF executive director Jake Wood praised the decision, calling it an 'important interim step' and confirming it honors prior commitments made to the foundation. He emphasized the urgency of immediate delivery and expressed gratitude for the Trump administration's support. 'Through the GHF, we are building a secure, transparent system to deliver aid directly and effectively—without diversion or delay and in strict adherence to the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence,' he added. Israel supports what it calls 'the American humanitarian plan,' which U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee outlined at the American embassy in Jerusalem on May 9. It sidelines international bodies such as the United Nations in favor of private-sector-led aid distribution, with the stated goal of ensuring better oversight and security. Advertisement 3 Displaced Palestinians gather to collect portions of cooked food at a charity distribution in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip on May 19, 2025. AFP via Getty Images Under the plan, aid will be delivered to a limited number of 'secure distribution sites' in southern Gaza, managed and protected in coordination with the Israeli military. Once in place, humanitarian supplies will be handed over to aid groups for civilian distribution. GHF is coordinating with two American firms—UG Solutions, a security company, and Safe Reach Solutions, which specializes in logistics—to implement the operation. Advertisement Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar reaffirmed support for the American plan on Wednesday, calling it a 'responsible approach to ensuring aid reaches civilians without strengthening Hamas.' However, the announcement triggered backlash from within Netanyahu's coalition and from hostage families. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir denounced the move in a social media post, writing: 'Mr. Prime Minister, our hostages have no humanitarian aid!' He also warned in a statement that 'any humanitarian aid that enters the Strip, certainly all of it, will fuel Hamas and give it oxygen.' Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich wrote: 'Every truck that reaches Hamas in Gaza prolongs the war, strengthens Hamas, and endangers our fighters.' Likud Knesset member Moshe Saada called the move 'a wrong and immoral decision.' Likud MK Avichai Boaron added: 'Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. We must not allow Hamas to profit from food.' Heritage Minister Amihai Eliyahu said that 'this is a direct blow to the war effort for victory.' Likud MK Tally Gotliv charged: 'There is no starvation in Gaza. Even close to it. I watch Gaza Telegram all the time. There is no hunger!' She also wrote: 'Our enemies mock you and us. This is a slap in all our faces.' Advertisement 3 Trucks carrying aid wait in front of the Rafah border crossing on March 2, 2025 in Rafah, Egypt. Getty Images 'The person behind the delusional decision to send humanitarian aid to Gaza is Gideon Sa'ar. Foreign Minister Sa'ar demanded that the prime minister immediately decide on sending humanitarian aid because in Europe, decisions are about to be made against Israel this week,' Gotliv told JNS on Monday. ‏'Too many do not understand that decisions against us will be made in any case. It would be better for Sa'ar to distribute the videos of the Oct. 7 inferno alongside videos from Telegram showing Gaza is not hungry,' Gotliv said. Advertisement The Tikva Forum for Families of Hostages, representing some of the families of Israelis held in Gaza, condemned the decision as a 'gift to Hamas,' warning it undermines the sacrifices of IDF soldiers and betrays nearly 600 days of suffering. 'If a grain of supply enters the enemy, it is not only a betrayal of the hostages, but a knife in the back of the soldiers,' the group stated. The Soldiers' Mothers organization said in a letter to Netanyahu: 'This decision endangers the lives of our sons and stands in direct contradiction to your promise of total victory and elimination of Hamas.' 'From the beginning of the war, we said that in order to complete the victory, there was one necessary condition—we must not reach a state of starvation in Gaza. They will not support us if we reach that point,' Netanyahu responded. 'We will take control of all the territories of the Gaza Strip. There is tremendous, intense fighting there. Our fighters are doing a great job there, including this morning—I can't go into details.' Advertisement Meanwhile, Israel announced on Sunday that it is exploring a broader framework for ending the war in Gaza—one that includes the release of all hostages, expulsion of Hamas terrorists and disarmament of the coastal enclave. The Israeli negotiating team in Doha, Qatar, is actively working to exhaust every opportunity to reach an agreement, the Prime Minister's Office said. The renewed diplomatic efforts coincide with the launch of 'Operation Gideon's Chariots,' the next stage in the IDF's campaign to destroy Hamas's governing and military capabilities in Gaza. According to the IDF, troops have carried out coordinated attacks on Hamas infrastructure in Jabalia, Gaza City's Zeitoun neighborhood and Rafah—areas considered key to the terror group's operations.

Israeli PM Netanyahu announces new Gaza offensive

Express Tribune

05-05-2025

Politics
Express Tribune

Israeli PM Netanyahu announces new Gaza offensive

Israel security cabinet to weigh new phase of Gaza war and aid resumption

First Post

04-05-2025

Politics
First Post

Israel security cabinet to weigh new phase of Gaza war and aid resumption

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene his security cabinet on Sunday to discuss the expansion of the Gaza offensive and a possible resumption of aid into the besieged enclave, two government officials said. read more Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during the annual ceremony at the eve of Israel's Remembrance Day for fallen soldiers (Yom HaZikaron) at the Yad LaBanim Memorial in Jerusalem, on April 29, 2025. AFP Photo Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene his security cabinet on Sunday to deliberate on expanding the military offensive in Gaza and the potential resumption of humanitarian aid to the enclave, news agency Reuters quoted two government officials as saying. In a video message posted on X earlier in the day, hours after debris from a missile fired by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militia landed near Ben Gurion Airport, Netanyahu said the cabinet would meet to discuss 'the next stage' of the Gaza war. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While it remains unclear whether the cabinet will issue final approvals during the meeting, Israel's military has already begun mobilizing tens of thousands of reservists in preparation for a wider campaign, the army chief said on Sunday. 'We are increasing the pressure with the goal of returning our people (hostages) and defeating Hamas,' Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir told troops, according to a statement from the army. Already in control of almost a third of Gaza's territory, Israel has faced growing international pressure to lift an aid blockade that it imposed in March after the collapse of a U.S.-backed ceasefire that had halted fighting for two months. Ministers have justified the blockade by saying that Hamas has seized aid intended for civilians and kept it for its own fighters or sold it, charges that Hamas has denied. At the same time, Israel has faced warnings of famine in Gaza as supplies run low. Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported last week that a new plan was in the works by which aid will soon be distributed by private foreign companies, rather than U.N. agencies, in a new designated humanitarian zone in the southern Gaza area of Rafah, to which civilians would be moved after security checks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD New aid plans will be discussed at Sunday's security cabinet meeting, two officials said. Aid has been a contested issue within the Israeli leadership and defence establishment for months. The military has pushed back against calls by some politicians who want Israel to seize Gaza for good and have Israeli soldiers hand out aid. Zamir, who took office in March, has stuck to the position of his predecessor and the former defence minister. He told ministers last month that Israeli troops would not distribute aid and that he would not allow starvation in Gaza, angering hardliners, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who had hoped for a more aggressive approach. Israel launched its campaign in Gaza in retaliation for the Hamas attack on Oct 7, 2023, that killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies, and saw 251 taken hostage into Gaza in the deadliest day for Israel in its history. The campaign has killed more than 52,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities and devastated the Gaza Strip, leaving its 2.3 million population depending on aid supplies that have been dwindling rapidly since the blockade. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies