Israel has blocked humanitarian aid from entering northern Gaza amid allegations that Hamas is seizing supplies meant for civilians. Aid deliveries from the south are continuing, two Israeli officials confirmed on Thursday. The move follows the circulation of videos showing masked men aboard aid trucks—men that Gaza clan leaders insist were safeguarding the aid rather than stealing it on behalf of Hamas.
In a joint statement Wednesday night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said they had instructed the military to draft a plan within two days to prevent Hamas from taking control of aid shipments. They referred to unspecified new intelligence suggesting Hamas was intercepting the supplies.
Footage that surfaced showed dozens of masked men—some armed, most carrying sticks—riding on the trucks. Israeli spokesperson David Mencer said aid flow from the south continues but did not clarify the situation in the north.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a U.S.- and Israeli-backed group, stated it was the only organization authorized to distribute food in Gaza on Thursday, exempt from the temporary suspension of aid deliveries.
Meanwhile, the Higher Commission for Tribal Affairs, representing Gaza’s powerful clans, said its members provided security for the trucks independently, without any involvement from Hamas or other factions. Hamas also denied any role in the operation.
Throughout the war, Gaza’s clans and various groups, including Hamas’ rival Fatah, have often taken responsibility for securing aid convoys. Extended family clans are a deeply rooted part of Gazan society.
Amjad al-Shawa, who leads a coalition of Palestinian NGOs, said the aid escorted by clans on Wednesday was distributed to vulnerable families. After nearly two years of war and mass displacement, Gaza faces a dire shortage of food and basic necessities. Warehouses and trucks have repeatedly been looted, often by desperate civilians. Israel, however, accuses Hamas of diverting aid for its fighters or to sell for profit—charges Hamas denies.
“Our clans intervened to stop looters and protect food for our people,” said Abu Salman Al Moghani, a clans’ representative.
The video from Wednesday was shared by former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who claimed Hamas had taken control of aid. Bennett is seen as a major contender against Netanyahu in the next election. Netanyahu, meanwhile, is under pressure from hardliners in his coalition threatening to resign over ceasefire talks and continued aid deliveries.
The conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel, killing nearly 1,200 people—mostly civilians—and taking 251 hostages. Israel’s military response has since killed over 56,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials, with civilians making up the majority of casualties. Since Wednesday, at least 118 Palestinians have reportedly been killed by Israeli fire, including some at an aid distribution site.
Hamas still holds 20 hostages alive, along with the bodies of 30 who have died.
