### Netanyahu Considers Closing Off Humanitarian Aid to Northern Gaza to Pressure Hamas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently looking into a controversial plan aimed at cutting off humanitarian aid to northern Gaza. This drastic measure seeks to pressure Hamas militants by depriving the area of essential resources, which could potentially endanger the lives of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians still residing in the region.

The proposal, put forth by a group of retired Israeli generals, outlines a strict evacuation mandate for the northern third of the Gaza Strip, including Gaza City. Residents would be given one week to leave before the area is declared a closed military zone. Remaining individuals would be considered combatants and could be denied food, water, medicine, and fuel. The plan suggests that maintaining control over northern Gaza indefinitely could help dismantle Hamas' influence and initiate a new administration.

Israeli officials have given mixed responses regarding the plan's implementation status. Israeli military spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani denied that any such plan had been officially received, while other unnamed officials acknowledged that parts of the proposal might already be in effect. The plan's architect, Giora Eiland, a former head of Israel's National Security Council, asserted that the strategy could force Hamas to release hostages, though human rights groups have vehemently criticized the approach.

According to the United Nations and the Israeli military agency overseeing humanitarian aid crossings, no shipments of food, water, or medicine have reached northern Gaza since September 30. The U.S. State Department has expressed its opposition to any measures that would result in direct Israeli occupation of Gaza.

Humanitarian organizations and human rights advocates argue that the plan could lead to mass starvation and violates international law. They stress that the strategy would effectively turn civilians into military targets if they do not evacuate. This concern comes as part of a broader accusation facing Israel at the International Court of Justice over alleged intentional limits on food supplies to Gaza, charges that Israel denies.

Despite evacuation orders, few Palestinians have left northern Gaza, fearing that conditions elsewhere in the Strip or in makeshift tent camps could be even worse. Israeli offensives in the area have already caused extensive devastation, reducing entire neighborhoods to rubble since the conflict escalated.

The plan remains under discussion, with the Israeli government yet to make a definitive decision. International and humanitarian bodies continue to watch closely, urging adherence to human rights and international law.