Israel’s mainstream increasingly opposes humanitarian aid for Gaza
Israelis Protest Humanitarian Aid to Gaza, Uniting Against Hamas
Amid pressure from the Biden administration, Israel has reluctantly allowed humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, a grassroots movement called Tzav 9 has emerged, harnessing widespread public opposition to this policy.
Ishay Green, a former leader of protests against Israel’s right-wing government, recently led a convoy of vehicles from Tel Aviv to the Gaza border to block trucks carrying foreign aid. Green emphasized that these protests are not only about winning Israel’s war against Hamas but also about unifying the nation.
“As a people, this is something we can do that the government cannot do,” Green stated. “But this is just one small thing. The bigger story of Israel is how we unite. If we unite, we are going to win.”
Tzav 9, which started in mid-January, has organized around 20 protests at Israel’s border crossings. The movement has gained momentum following the horrific terror attack by Hamas on October 7.
Nimrod Nir, a pollster at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, explained that there is almost a consensus in Israel against providing humanitarian aid to Gaza. Israelis now view themselves in a zero-sum conflict with the Palestinians, where helping them directly threatens their soldiers and hostages in Gaza.
On Sunday, Tzav 9 protesters gathered at the Nitzana crossing, waving Israeli flags and calling for the release of the hostages held by Hamas. Reut Ben Chaim, the matriarch of Tzav 9, commended the protesters for stopping the supply from Hamas.
Israel’s Shin Bet security service revealed that Hamas takes a significant portion of aid to Gaza. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also disclosed that a considerable number of UNRWA workers are affiliated with Hamas and assisted in the October 7 attack.
While the Israeli government faces international pressure to allow more aid, Tzav 9 sees itself as helping the government resist this coercion. Yacov Rudman, a protester, believes the government is playing a game of opening one eye and closing the other.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended the aid, emphasizing its necessity to prevent a disease outbreak and denying that it weakens Israel’s leverage for hostage releases.
Tzav 9 has gained traction due to its singular focus on opposing aid, transcending political divisions in Israel. Rachel Touitou, a volunteer spokeswoman for Tzav 9, highlighted the unity witnessed at their protests, where right-wing settlers, leftists, and survivors of the October 7 massacre stood together.
Recent polls show that the majority of Israeli Jews oppose allowing aid into Gaza, a significant shift from before the October 7 attack. Even some relatives of the hostages have joined Tzav 9, frustrated with the lack of progress in negotiations with Hamas.
Yacov Rudman, who attended the protest, expressed his hope that the pressure from Tzav 9 would lead to the release of his abducted friend. He acknowledged that this step was not their first choice but believed it was the best option available.
How does the Tzav 9 movement propose that Israel should focus on targeting Hamas and dismantling its infrastructure instead of providing aid to Gaza?
Aelis believe that the aid is being used by Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, to strengthen its control over the Gaza Strip, rather than being utilized for the benefit of the Palestinian people. They argue that providing aid enables Hamas to divert resources towards its military activities and to further oppress the people of Gaza.
The Tzav 9 movement has been successful in mobilizing public opinion against the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The group believes that instead of aid, Israel should focus on targeting Hamas and dismantling its infrastructure, in order to bring lasting peace and security to the region. They argue that allowing aid to flow into Gaza only perpetuates the cycle of violence and prevents a true resolution to the ongoing conflict.
The movement has garnered support from various sectors of Israeli society. Many citizens from Tel Aviv, Israel’s economic and cultural capital, joined the convoy led by Ishay Green. The protesters carried signs and banners calling for an end to aid shipments and a united front against Hamas.
Israel’s decision to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza was prompted by pressure from the Biden administration. President Biden has made it clear that he wants to prioritize the welfare of the Palestinian people and rebuild trust between the United States and the Palestinian Authority. However, critics argue that this approach ignores the reality on the ground and fails to acknowledge the role of Hamas in perpetuating the conflict.
The Tzav 9 movement believes that by uniting against Hamas and ending the flow of aid, Israel can send a strong message to the international community. They argue that providing aid only serves to legitimize Hamas and prolong the suffering of both Israelis and Palestinians. Instead, they advocate for a comprehensive strategy that focuses on dismantling Hamas and promoting dialogue and cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians.
While the Israeli government may be hesitant to openly oppose the provision of humanitarian aid, the Tzav 9 movement represents a significant segment of the population that is demanding a new approach to dealing with Gaza. As the movement continues to gain momentum, it remains to be seen how the Israeli government will respond and whether their stance on aid will change.
In conclusion, the Tzav 9 movement has emerged as a powerful force in Israeli society, uniting Israelis against the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The movement argues that aid only strengthens Hamas and prolongs the conflict, and instead calls for a comprehensive strategy to dismantle Hamas and promote peace and cooperation in the region. As the movement gains support and attention, it remains to be seen how the Israeli government and the international community will respond to their demands.
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