Israeli Security Minister calls for complete halt to Gaza aid, says it will ‘advance us to victory’
Tel Aviv: Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on Thursday reiterated his hardline stance on humanitarian aid to Gaza, calling for an immediate and total suspension of all supplies entering the war-torn enclave.
In a post on X, Ben-Gvir described the current flow of aid as “an absolute disgrace,” alleging that Hamas is seizing the relief to bolster its fighters. “What is needed in Gaza is not a temporary halt to the ‘humanitarian’ aid, but a complete halt to it,” he wrote.
Ben-Gvir, a far-right member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet, said he would once again urge the prime minister to bring the matter to a cabinet vote. He had previously been the lone voice opposing the decision to allow aid convoys into Gaza.
“There were those who mocked me… and today what was known in advance is becoming clear: Hamas is taking control of the quantities of food and goods that contribute to its survival,” he stated. “Stopping the aid will quickly advance us to victory,” he said.
הסיוע ההומניטרי שנכנס לעזה כרגע הוא ביזיון מוחלט. מה שנדרש בעזה הוא לא עצירה זמנית של הסיוע ה"הומניטרי", אלא עצירה מוחלטת שלו.
— איתמר בן גביר (@itamarbengvir) June 26, 2025
כשהזהרתי והתרעתי, והיחיד לצערי שהצביע לפני חודש וחצי נגד הכנסת הסיוע שהיה ברור לי כי הוא יתן חמצן לחמאס. היה מי שלעג לי וטען ש"הסיוע יכנס לצפון הרצועה… pic.twitter.com/lDOncD6rSV
Ben-Gvir’s remarks come amid a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Aid agencies have warned of “critical risk of famine” for the territory’s 2.3 million residents, especially following a complete Israeli blockade in March and April.
Although Israel has since eased some restrictions, allowing limited UN convoys through, the situation remains dire. Relief groups report serious logistical hurdles, including roads blocked by rubble, active military operations, and frequent outbreaks of violence near aid distribution points. Civilians have reportedly come under fire while attempting to access food supplies.
A recent Guardian report highlighted the continuing danger and difficulty of aid delivery under current conditions, despite international appeals for unrestricted humanitarian access.
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Nagaland bypoll: Nearly 20 pc voter turnout recorded in Koridang seat in first two hours
Kohima (PTI): Nearly 20 per cent of 22,382 electors exercised their franchise in Nagaland's Koridang Assembly bypoll in the first two hours of polling on Thursday, officials said.
The voting that commenced at 7 am across all 30 polling stations has so far been peaceful, they said.
The polling will continue till 4 pm.
Security has been significantly tightened across the constituency following violence on April 5 and 6, in which one person died, and several vehicles were damaged.
The byelection was necessitated by the demise of sitting BJP MLA Imkong L. Imchen in November last year.
A total of 22,382 electors, including 11,071 women, are eligible to decide the fate of six candidates in the fray.
The ruling People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) has fielded BJP nominee Daochier I. Imchen, while the Congress candidate is T. Chalukumba Ao. The National People’s Party (NPP) has nominated I. Abenjang, while the Independent candidates are Imchatoba Imchen, Imtiwapang, and Toshikaba.
Of the 30 polling stations, 13 have been categorised as vulnerable and 17 as critical, prompting deployment of additional security personnel and intensified surveillance measures. Two polling stations have been designated as all-women booths.
Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
