Tel Aviv: Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has sparked controversy by advocating for a total cessation of aid to the blockaded Gaza Strip. Ben-Gvir's statement comes as Tel Aviv persists in its aggressive military operations in the area.

According to Anadolu Agency, Ben-Gvir expressed his views on the social media platform X, arguing against the entry of any food or aid into Gaza. He stated, "It's a shame we don't learn from our mistakes. As long as our hostages are dying in the tunnels, there is no reason for a gram of food or aid to enter Gaza." He suggested that providing aid could undermine Israel's efforts to defeat Hamas and secure the safe return of hostages.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that preventing aid is a strategic measure aimed at pressuring Hamas. Since March 2, Israel has enforced a blockade on Gaza's crossings, halting the flow of essential supplies despite reports of severe food shortages in the region.

The situation in Gaza has deteriorated significantly since the Israeli army resumed its offensive on March 18, breaking a brief period of ceasefire and interrupting a prisoner exchange agreement established in January. The conflict has resulted in the loss of over 51,000 Palestinian lives, predominantly women and children, as reported by various sources.

The ongoing conflict has drawn international attention, with the International Criminal Court issuing arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.