Jerusalem – July 29, 2025 — Faced with mounting international criticism and humanitarian concerns regarding Gaza, an Israeli government minister publicly defended their policies by asserting that they do not block humanitarian assistance but rather actively facilitate it entering this war-ravaged enclave.
Yoav Regev, Israeli Minister of Defense and Security Coordination, strongly denied allegations made by UN agencies and international NGOs that Israel is deliberately restricting humanitarian supplies entering Gaza. Regev stated, “we facilitate daily the entry of aid – food, water and medical supplies are coordinated through our crossings – but what we will not permit is weapons or materials used by Hamas terrorist operations to get through.
He made these remarks only a day after IPC issued a dismal report warning of “mounting evidence of widespread starvation” in Gaza and areas at risk of famine. Both UN agencies and humanitarian groups contend that due to its scale and urgency, emergency aid convoys require greater access and faster approval processes.
Regev blamed delays and bottlenecks on “security concerns and logistical mismanagement” by international agencies operating on the ground in Gaza. He stated, “It isn’t as straightforward as driving across a border – every shipment must be thoroughly inspected to ensure only humanitarian supplies and nothing that could pose threats against Israeli civilians or soldiers are included.
Israel has maintained the Kerem Shalom crossing open on most days and recently authorized temporary operations of additional entry points with Egypt and the U.S. However, aid organizations report that Israel’s aid intake falls far short of meeting Gaza’s needs – nearly all its residents being dependent on external assistance for survival.
World Food Programme (WFP) and UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) officials have warned that only a portion of their planned deliveries are reaching those in need, with trucks waiting days or weeks for clearance clearance. UNRWA Director Philippe Lazzarini stated on Sunday, that accessing aid has become “a matter of life or death”, due to bureaucratic hurdles and security restrictions which cost lives.
Minister Regev dismissed such accusations as being both “deeply unfair and politically motivated”, maintaining that Israel remains committed to international law and humanitarian values while engaged in an ongoing conflict against Hamas.
Tensions have also escalated diplomatically. European Union leaders, along with various Middle Eastern nations, have called for an international mechanism to monitor aid distribution in Gaza in order to ensure neutrality and efficiency; the U.S. has proposed using a multinational logistics task force as part of its plan to streamline inspections and delivery operations.
Regev stood firm despite mounting pressure, asserting that Israel will do its part but would not compromise security: aid can flow but must not fuel terrorist activities.
As the humanitarian crisis intensifies, the world watches closely in hopes that access will lead to action taken – not only on an access level but also at action taken level.