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Israel accused of creating humanitarian crisis in Gaza by restricting aid

Israel urged people to move south to avoid heavy fighting in the north.

Israel's senior advisor to the Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has addressed concerns about the ongoing situation in Southern Gaza in a recent interview. The conversation primarily focused on the relocation of civilians and the provision of humanitarian aid in the area.

When questioned about the continuous movement of people from one area to another, the advisor defended the initial advice for citizens to move south. He explained that this decision was made because heavy fighting had erupted in the north. Around 90% of the population had followed the guidance, which he believed was the right thing to do at the time.

However, with the recent escalation of conflict in the southern region, the advisor admitted that more specific instructions were necessary to ensure the safety of civilians. Despite the challenges of relocating multiple times, he emphasized the importance of avoiding the line of fire and the potential danger it posed to innocent lives.

The interviewer raised concerns about the limited space and facilities in the designated areas where people were being asked to move. The advisor acknowledged the difficulties but stressed that the potential harm caused by remaining in the line of fire outweighed the inconveniences of relocation. He drew upon personal experiences of war and displacement, highlighting the pressing need to prioritize civilian safety.

The conversation then turned to the issue of humanitarian aid entering Gaza. The United Nations Secretary-General's recent statement attributed the difficulties faced by aid agencies to Israel's ongoing offensive. The advisor clarified that Israel had recently opened the Kerem Shalom crossing, allowing for an increased quantity of aid to enter Gaza without any restrictions.

Regarding the Secretary-General's call for a humanitarian ceasefire, the advisor expressed gratitude for the diplomatic support received from the United States in preventing the passage of such a resolution at the Security Council. He argued that granting a ceasefire at this point would only serve to strengthen Hamas, the target of Israel's operation, and prolong the cycle of violence in the future.

The conversation concluded with the interviewer seeking a clarification on a comment made by an Israeli spokesperson regarding food shortages in Gaza. The advisor replied that Israel had authorized trucks of food to enter Gaza, and any delay was due to logistical issues within the region itself. He raised the possibility that Hamas intentionally sought to create a humanitarian crisis to generate international pressure for a ceasefire, thereby ensuring their survival.

In this interview, the Israeli advisor provided insights into the rationale behind the relocation efforts in Southern Gaza and the challenges faced in providing humanitarian aid. While acknowledging the difficulties faced by the civilian population, he reiterated the importance of their safety and the need to prevent them from becoming casualties in the crossfire.

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