DayofPal– Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to halt all humanitarian aid into Gaza has been met with fervent support from far-right ministers in his government, who are now openly advocating for a return to full-scale war.
The blockade, imposed on Sunday at the conclusion of the first phase of a ceasefire deal, has sparked celebrations among ultranationalist figures who view it as an opportunity to tighten Israel’s grip on the besieged enclave.
The move comes just as Palestinians in Gaza prepare for the holy month of Ramadan, deepening the humanitarian crisis in the war-torn region.
Among those praising the decision is former National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who declared, “I welcome the decision to halt humanitarian aid—if it is truly implemented.”
He further called for Israel to “shut off electricity and water, return to war, and most importantly, demand the release of all hostages immediately—or open the gates of hell on Gaza.”
Echoing Ben Gvir’s incendiary rhetoric, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich described the blockade as “the threshold of the gates of hell.” He argued that Israel must now escalate its military operations “as quickly and lethally as possible until absolute victory is achieved.”
Even more extreme was Likud lawmaker Nissim Vaturi, who took to social media to urge the Israeli military to “bomb the food supplies that have already entered Gaza.”
Vaturi has previously advocated for the execution of all Palestinian men in Gaza and the destruction of Jenin in the occupied West Bank.
Netanyahu’s office confirmed the blockade in a statement on Sunday, citing Hamas’ rejection of a ceasefire extension proposal backed by the U.S. President’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff.
The proposal allegedly included the phased release of Israeli captives in exchange for other 42 truce.
“Israel will not allow a ceasefire without the release of our hostages,” the statement read. “If Hamas continues its refusal, there will be further consequences.”
Hamas, however, has accused Israel of using the aid blockade as a form of blackmail, insisting that any true ceasefire must include an end to military aggression, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the release of remaining captives.
“Netanyahu’s decision to block humanitarian aid is a war crime and a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement,” Hamas said in a statement. “This is a blatant attempt to renege on the deal and avoid negotiating its second phase.”
Gaza’s Government Media Office reports that since the ceasefire took effect, Israel has committed nearly 1,000 violations, killing over 100 Palestinians and injuring nearly 500 others.
The ongoing blockade has prevented life-saving aid from reaching over two million people, worsening an already dire humanitarian catastrophe.
As Netanyahu’s government embraces hardline policies and rejects diplomatic efforts, the blockade on Gaza signals a dangerous turning point—one that could reignite large-scale war, with the most vulnerable Palestinians paying the highest price.
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