Israel will allow local merchants to transport goods into the Gaza Strip as part of wider efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, a division of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, announced on Tuesday that Gaza-based merchants will be issued permits to transport vital goods into the starvation-plagued strip.
“Following the Cabinet’s decision to expand the scope of humanitarian aid, a mechanism was approved for the gradual and controlled renewal of the entry of goods through the private sector in Gaza,” COGAT wrote on social media. “This aims to increase the volume of aid entering the Gaza Strip, while reducing reliance on aid collection by the [United Nations] and international organizations.”
“As part of formulating this mechanism, a limited number of local merchants were approved subject to specific criteria and security screening,” COGAT added.
Goods eligible for sale will include “basic food products,” baby food, produce, and hygiene supplies. Israel will require these transactions to be conducted through monitored bank transfers, and all goods will be inspected.
Israeli leaders are allegedly weighing a full annexation of the Gaza Strip, according to domestic media reports.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is meeting with Defense Minister Israel Katz and other high-ranking defense officials on Tuesday to discuss next steps in “how to achieve the three war objectives we have set … defeating the enemy, releasing our hostages and ensuring that Gaza will never again threaten Israel.”
Sources within the prime minister’s office have claimed that the Cabinet intends for a full occupation of Gaza, which would also mean military action in areas where hostages are still being held.
“We’re committing to free Gaza from the tyranny of these terrorists,” Netanyahu said in a video address on Monday. “Many Gazans come to us and they say, ‘Help us be free. Help us be free of Hamas,’ and that’s what we will do.”
IDF chief of staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir is facing demands from the government to commit to fulfilling whatever future course of action is decided, despite his previously stated reservations about occupying the entirety of Gaza.
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“The chief of staff must say clearly that he will fully carry out the orders of the political echelon, even if it’s decided to go for full conquest and a clear result,” National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said on Tuesday via social media.
Multiple ministers are urging Netanyahu to seize the “moment of opportunity” and also take full control of the West Bank from the Palestinian Authority.