Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday that the Israeli army will take control of "all of Gaza," while acknowledging the increasing pressure to allow humanitarian aid into the besieged Palestinian territory. Netanyahu's statement came through a video message posted on his X account, highlighting a strategic shift in Israel's approach to the ongoing conflict.

According to Anadolu Agency - English, Netanyahu admitted that the pressure on Israel to resume humanitarian aid deliveries was "approaching a red line." This pressure has led Israel to reopen aid channels to Gaza, which have been closed since March 2, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. Governmental, human rights, and international reports indicate that nearly 2.4 million Gazans are entirely reliant on humanitarian aid for survival.

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) reports that due to Israel's stringent blockade, many Palestinians are forced to subsist on just one meal every two or three days. In response to the deteriorating conditions, Netanyahu stated on Sunday that Israel would allow "a basic quantity of food" into Gaza for its 2.4 million residents, aiming to prevent a hunger crisis.

Israel's Army Radio detailed that nine aid trucks would be permitted entry into Gaza, marking the first significant aid delivery after nearly 80 days of a severe blockade. Netanyahu emphasized that in order to achieve victory over Hamas and secure the release of hostages, Israel must avoid reaching a point of famine that could undermine international support.

The Israeli military campaign in Gaza, ongoing since October 2023, has resulted in over 53,300 Palestinian deaths, predominantly among women and children. In light of these actions, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice concerning its actions in the enclave.