Israel Halts Northern Gaza Aid Over Hamas Concerns, Southern Entry Continues

Israel has halted aid deliveries to northern Gaza amid concerns that Hamas is intercepting humanitarian supplies, while southern routes remain open, officials confirmed Thursday. The decision follows a viral video showing masked men on aid trucks—whom Gaza clan leaders say were protecting, not looting, the aid.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant ordered the military to draft a new plan within two days to stop Hamas from allegedly diverting aid meant for civilians. Although specific evidence was not provided, the video raised alarms in Israeli political circles. Former PM Naftali Bennett claimed Hamas was seizing the aid, intensifying pressure on Netanyahu from both political rivals and hardliners in his coalition.

Despite the northern aid freeze, the U.S.- and Israeli-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation confirmed it remains the sole organization allowed to distribute food in southern and central Gaza on Thursday. It was exempt from a two-day delivery suspension.

Gaza’s Higher Commission for Tribal Affairs, representing powerful local clans, said the armed men in the video were part of a tribal-led security initiative. They denied any involvement from Hamas or other factions. Hamas also denied accusations of seizing aid, saying it played no role in the convoy protection.

Gaza faces a severe humanitarian crisis, with widespread shortages and looting of aid convoys. Local NGOs, including civil society groups and families, have stepped in to organize distribution and security.

The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, has left over 56,000 Palestinians dead and most of Gaza’s population displaced, according to Gaza health officials. The recent aid-related violence adds to the rising toll, with at least 118 Palestinians reportedly killed by Israeli fire since Wednesday, including some near aid sites. Twenty hostages remain held in Gaza.