Israel to take full control of Gaza as some aid allowed in

The first trucks carrying humanitarian aid were allowed into Gaza by Israel yesterday as prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his forces will take full control of the Gaza Strip as part of an expanded offensive against the territory.

- BEL TREW TOM WATLING

Five aid lorries entered via the Kerem Shalom crossing, ending a near three-month blockade by Israel after Mr Netanyahu agreed to allow a "limited" amount of aid in the face of a famine from food security experts.

"The fighting is intense, and we are making progress. We will take control of all the territory of the strip," Mr Netanyahu said in a video posted to his Telegram channel. "We will not give up.

But in order to succeed, we must act in a way that cannot be stopped." Mr Netanyahu added that lifting the blockade on aid entering the territory was for "practical and diplomatic reasons" that centred on pacifying Israel's international critics. The blockade has been in place since a truce fell apart in March.

The leaders of Britain, Canada and France threatened sanctions against Israel yesterday if it does not stop a renewed military offensive in Gaza and lift aid restrictions.

"The Israeli Government's denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching International Humanitarian Law," a joint statement released by the British government said.

"We oppose any attempt to expand settlements in the West Bank...

We will not hesitate to take further action, including targeted sanctions." The Israeli military said forces engaged in a new campaign dubbed "Operation Gideon's Chariots" were active across Gaza, seeking to eliminate Hamas's military and governing capabilities and to bring back the remaining hostages seized in October 2023.

Over the weekend, Israeli forces announced they were launching "extensive" operations in the north of Gaza, towards the Jabalia refugee camp, and southwards towards the city of Khan Younis.

Palestinians in Khan Younis were ordered to "evacuate immediately" yesterday morning ahead of what Israeli forces described as an "unprecedented attack to destroy" Hamas.