"If Hamas blows up the talks, we will respond, including on the humanitarian front"
(Jan. 12, 2025 / JNS) The Israel Defense Forces are preparing for the possibility of halting or reducing humanitarian aid to Gaza if negotiations with Hamas for a hostage release deal collapse, Hebrew media reported on Saturday.
Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) IDF Maj. Gen. Ghassan Alian revealed in a closed discussion that the military is drafting several scenarios, including a complete stop to aid, as a potential response to failed talks, according to Channel 12 News.
“We must quickly prepare for changes in the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, whether a deal is reached or not. We all hope for a deal soon, but we are also preparing for the possibility that Hamas blows up the talks—and this will have repercussions, including on the humanitarian aid entering the Strip,” Channel 12 quoted Alian as saying during the discussion.