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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'The Ba**ds of Bollywood’ mirrors my life, damages my reputation: Sameer Wankhede tells Delhi HC
New Delhi: IRS officer Sameer Wankhede has submitted his reply to the Delhi High Court in the defamation case he filed against Red Chillies Entertainment, the production company owned by actor Shah Rukh Khan. The case pertains to the recently released series The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, which Wankhede claims has defamed him.
In his statement to the court, Wankhede asserted that the show’s portrayal of a police officer is clearly based on him and has caused serious harm to his public image. He cited four key reasons supporting his claim.
First, he said the character in question bears physical similarities to him, including facial and body features. Second, he noted that the character’s working style and mannerisms closely resemble his own.
Third, Wankhede highlighted that the officer in the show is depicted making a high-profile arrest involving a major film personality, which he said directly mirrors his own involvement in the Aryan Khan drug case.
Fourth, he pointed out that the character frequently uses the phrase “Satyameva Jayate,” a motto he himself had used during media interactions in the course of that investigation. He argued that using the national motto in such a context cannot be dismissed as creative expression or humour.
Wankhede also referred to an interview in which Aryan Khan allegedly admitted that the show was “inspired by some real events.” This, he said, contradicts Red Chillies Entertainment’s claim that The Ba**ds of Bollywood* is purely fictional.
He further alleged that the tone and intent of the series indicate personal and institutional vendetta, aimed at discrediting and defaming him rather than engaging in artistic storytelling.
Wankhede informed the court that the fallout from the show has affected his family, with his wife and sister receiving abusive and vulgar messages online.
Rejecting Red Chillies’ argument that he is a “thin-skinned” officer, Wankhede said that a public servant cannot be expected to tolerate false and damaging portrayals simply because of his position. He emphasized that his legal action seeks to protect the constitutional rights and dignity of both himself and his family.
