After reports that Egyptian aid convoys would enter the Gaza Strip today as part of humanitarian assistance to the residents of the strip, the Prime Minister's Office denies the reports, stating: "There is currently no ceasefire and humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip in exchange for the removal of foreigners."
The denial comes in response to reports this morning that the IDF would allow aid convoys from Egypt to enter the Gaza Strip. The IDF emphasizes that it is not a ceasefire but rather an opportunity to bring in goods, primarily food and medicine, to the southern part of the strip, encouraging those in the northern part of the Gaza Strip to move south.
Following the reports, criticism has arisen regarding the move. The Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir, has submitted a demand to Netanyahu, stating that any easing of restrictions on the Gaza Strip, such as supplying water, allowing the entry of goods, will be brought for discussion in the cabinet.
Israeli Energy Minister Israel Katz also wrote on his Twitter account: "I supported the agreement between Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Biden to supply water to the southern Gaza Strip because it also aligned with Israeli interests. I strongly oppose lifting the blockade and allowing the entry of goods into Gaza for humanitarian reasons. Our commitment is to the families of the slain and the captive soldiers, not to Hamas terrorists and those who assisted them."
MK Moshe Sa'ada tweeted, "I'm not a member of the cabinet, but everyone understands that bringing goods into the Strip unconditionally and declaring a humanitarian ceasefire with those who hold children and women hostage is terrible, unthinkable. I am in the area, and all Israeli citizens are expecting something different. 'What was, is not what will be.' So, it's time to show it in action. It's not too late to stop the entry of goods."