Former Israeli Security Chiefs Urge Gaza War’s End/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Former Israeli military and intelligence officials publicly call to end the Gaza war as Prime Minister Netanyahu hints at new military escalation. Aid delivery remains perilous: dozens of Palestinians were killed while seeking food near aid convoys as starvation deaths rise. Israel approved limited merchant aid entry via private sector to reduce reliance on international agencies.
Quick Looks
- Top ex-Israeli security chiefs urge ceasefire in Gaza
- Netanyahu sets Security Cabinet meeting, signaling possible new war phase
- At least 25 Palestinians killed seeking aid near convoys
- Aid coordination body COGAT opens private-sector aid deliveries
- Hunger-induced deaths and malnutrition mounting across Gaza Strip
- Troop intensification risks deepening humanitarian catastrophe
- Aid access severely restricted by blockade and military activity
- Palestinian voices decry chaotic, dangerous aid distribution system
- International community under pressure amid rising global alarm
- War nearing 22 months with no political settlement in sight
Deep Look: Former Israeli Security Officials Demand Gaza Peace as Starvation Claims More Lives
JERUSALEM / CAIRO — A coalition of former Israeli intelligence and military leaders has issued a rare appeal for an immediate end to the Gaza conflict, joining an escalating humanitarian crisis in which Palestinians are dying both from starvation and active conflict.
Security Chiefs Call for Ceasefire
Figures including Ami Ayalon, former head of Shin Bet, Yoram Cohen, also ex-Shin Bet chief, and ex-Military leaders from Mossad and the IDF, released a short social media video this week. They warned that Netanyahu’s handling of the war—led by far-right coalition figures—is putting Israel’s security and identity at risk.
“We cannot dismantle every weapon and free hostages while destroying Gaza internally,” Cohen said.
Netanyahu Prepares for New Combat Phase
In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called a Security Cabinet meeting to set Israel’s next course in Gaza, reportedly pushing for full territorial control after military chiefs reportedly expressed concern. Netanyahu’s objectives remain: defeat Hamas, secure all hostages, and ensure Gaza never again threatens Israeli sovereignty.
Defense Minister Israel Katz championed the plan, asserting the army will implement government policy. This marks a potential shift from the current control over approximately three-quarters of Gaza to a broader occupation—an escalation that could further imperil civilians and derail already stalled hostage negotiations.
Aid Drivers and Deadly Chaos at Distribution Sites
Amid intense conflict, aid remains perilously inaccessible. Over the past 24 hours, at least 25 Palestinians were killed while heading to aid pickup points. Most victims were near the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) hubs east of Khan Younis or along the Morag corridor near Rafah. Reports indicate chaotic crowds, injuries, and some struck by passing trucks.
Palestinians describe an aid system run like “mafia,” where distribution is unequal—some obtain hundreds of kilograms while others get mere scraps.
Introducing Private-Sector Aid Channels
In response to mounting criticism, COGAT—the military’s aid coordination body—announced a limited pilot program permitting private merchants to distribute food, hygiene goods, and baby supplies via bank transfers. The effort aims to reduce reliance on the overwhelmed U.N. and international agencies.
Hunger Claims More Lives
Gaza’s health ministry reported eight recent deaths from malnutrition, bringing total starvation fatalities to 188, including 94 children, since the war’s onset nearly 22 months ago. Multiple international monitors warn Gaza is approaching full-scale famine, exacerbated by the blockade and ongoing air and ground ofensives.
Human Toll and Global Alarm
Health workers and eyewitnesses repeatedly report that Israeli troops fired into crowds seeking aid. Israel refutes allegations of excessive force, saying it only discharges warning shots. Civilians—including children—continue to die from hunger and injury in the contested zones.
In the face of mounting global pressure, multiple countries have formally recognized or pledged recognition of Palestine as an independent state.
What Lies Ahead?
With top security experts urging a ceasefire and Netanyahu signaling further escalation, Gaza stands at a critical crossroads. The trajectory will depend on whether Israel pursues broader occupation or pivots toward diplomatic compromise under international pressure. Humanitarian conditions remain dire as the world watches.
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