Global Pressure Mounts: Is Netanyahu Ready to End the Gaza War?

Watan-Why is Israel now announcing its intention to allow “humanitarian aid” into Gaza? What is the scale and duration of this allowance? And what is the fate of the genocide, and how serious are international efforts to stop it?

Reports reveal that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed ministers during a closed Cabinet (kabinett) meeting of his decision to permit humanitarian aid entry into Gaza—without putting the matter to a vote, likely fearing a majority opposition. Previously, Netanyahu made lofty remarks about Israel’s military strength and its global strikes, including against the Houthis.

Simultaneously, his office issued a statement saying the aid would be allowed following a recommendation by the military, which views it as part of efforts to defeat Hamas. Effectively, Netanyahu told Israelis and hardline ministers—some of whom have threatened to collapse the coalition if the siege is eased—that he’s going against his own stance under army pressure, not government decision. His remarks appear as political maneuvering to preempt public criticism over external pressure to allow aid.

The Shocking Images

The global pressure on the Israeli government has reportedly intensified in recent days due to worsening images of mass killing and famine in Gaza. Scenes of starving children clutching empty pots have flooded social media, surpassing traditional media in emotional impact. These disturbing visuals have stripped away diplomatic pretenses, triggering grassroots outrage in Western countries.

This grassroots fury is now fueling international demands for Israel to allow humanitarian relief. Trump’s recent return from the region with new diplomatic “gifts” seems to have led Arab leaders to pressure him into pressing Netanyahu to allow aid entry—if only to save face and mitigate the backlash visible across global social media.

Even U.S. presidential adviser Steve Witkoff acknowledged, “Everyone in the world is deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.”

However, the real test lies in action: will Israel merely trickle in minimal aid to deflect criticism, or is this the beginning of meaningful change? More importantly—what about the war itself, the root cause of this catastrophe?

A recent statement from Netanyahu’s office mentioned that “ending the war” is now also part of ongoing negotiations—marking the first time the Israeli leadership has publicly used such language. Yet Israel continues to insist that the war won’t end without Hamas leaders’ exile and full disarmament.

At the same time, the Israeli negotiation team in Doha proposed a partial deal that has outraged hostage families demanding a comprehensive agreement. It is reportedly based on Witkoff’s proposals, which fall short of ending the war or stopping the mass killings in Gaza.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military formally announced the launch of “Operation Gideon’s Chariots”, with Hebrew media confirming five IDF divisions are now in Gaza, advancing slowly due to security concerns, hostage risks, and ongoing negotiations. The campaign began with heavy, indiscriminate aerial bombardment aimed at pressuring Hamas.

Feet in Gaza, Eyes on Doha

Military analyst Yossi Yehoshua (Yedioth Ahronoth) questioned the effectiveness of this new offensive, arguing that unless an alternative authority to Hamas is agreed upon, Israel may remain stuck in Gaza for years. His view reflects growing sentiment within Israeli circles wary of prolonged war.

Other Israeli observers, including retired generals like Yisrael Ziv, Giora Eiland, and Yitzhak Brik, have repeatedly warned that Hamas—founded by Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, who was arrested in 1989 to quell the First Intifada—will not succumb to military pressure.

“Stop the Chariots!”

In its latest editorial, Haaretz called for an immediate end to the war, saying Israel faces a critical crossroads: either continue the slaughter, hostage deaths, hunger, forced displacement, and international isolation—or pivot to a comprehensive deal that ends the war, returns hostages, allows aid, rebuilds Gaza, and fosters regional diplomacy. Haaretz emphasized that only the latter ensures Israel’s future.

Military analyst Amos Harel noted increasing international pressure and suggested that Netanyahu is laying the groundwork for a future settlement. Israeli state media also reported that Trump is now pressing hard on aid access, with bipartisan U.S. lawmakers contacting Israel’s ambassador in Washington. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has also backed humanitarian aid, citing European and American pressure and threats of sanctions.

Still, the aid permitted remains limited. Harel argued that Gaza’s fate hinges less on negotiations in Doha and more on a final deal between Netanyahu and Trump. A confirmed assassination of Mohammed al-Sinwar could, he said, provide Netanyahu with an “operational success” narrative that allows him to align with Trump’s push for war termination.

No Strategy

Opposition leader Yair Lapid blasted Netanyahu’s government, accusing it of lacking a clear strategy. He told Israeli radio that allowing aid is the price of this absence of vision. For months, he said, he has urged Israel to hand Gaza over to Egypt, which ruled it for two decades. He believes Egypt should oversee aid distribution.

While aligning with the government on defeating Hamas, Lapid asked: “Who will replace Hamas? How many times will we retake Khan Younis?” Without a succession plan, he said, Hamas will simply return to areas retaken by Israel.

Lapid revealed he had urged Netanyahu to form a unity government early on, warning that the current far-right coalition cannot manage the war. He concluded that while military pressure might help secure a hostage deal, the government continues to stall and evade real decisions.