Netanyahu Announces Plan for 'Full Control' of Gaza, Says Aid Will Resume

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel's plans to take full control of Gaza and resume the flow of aid into the region.

The Details: Netanyahu said that Israel will increase its military attacks on Hamas Monday while removing the aid blockade that it put in place in early March to allow “a basic quantity of food to be brought in.” The prime minister said, “We are going to take over all the areas of the strip,” and added that the decision to allow in aid followed pressure from Israel’s “closest friends in the world.” The Wall Street Journal (Center bias) reported, “The decision to allow in aid passed without a vote in the security cabinet, according to an Israeli official. Some far-right lawmakers have said they oppose any aid entering Gaza as long as there are hostages there,” but Netanyahu said if Gaza reached famine levels, “People simply won't support us. We won't be able to complete the mission of victory.” Members of the US Senate reportedly said the images of extreme hunger from Gaza could affect their support of Israel. 

For Context: The aid blockade has led to nearly half a million people facing starvation, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification partnership. Israel's stated goals in increasing military attacks are to push Hamas to return the remaining hostages and demilitarize. 

How The Media Covered It: NBC News (Lean Left) highlighted the increasing death toll in Gaza, including children, and put a strong focus on the humanitarian crisis in the region. The Washington Examiner (Lean Right) and Epoch Times (Lean Right) emphasized the international pressure shaping Netanyahu's decision in their headlines. 

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