The Israel Defense Forces and the Defense Ministry’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) unit have announced the implementation of a revised system for delivering assistance to Gaza.
The initiative is designed to strengthen aid distribution while ensuring that supplies are not stolen by the Hamas terrorist organization.
In a statement released on Monday, the IDF clarified that it “operates in accordance with directives from the political echelon,” and firmly stated that “Israel does not and will not transfer any aid to Hamas.”
According to COGAT, the updated framework is intended to bolster transparency and secure aid pathways to civilians in need. “To prevent Hamas from seizing humanitarian supplies and to assure organizations’ operations stay neutral and impartial, it is essential to implement a structured monitoring and aid entry mechanism.”
The goal is to reinforce safeguards around humanitarian operations and to assist international organizations active in Gaza. “Assistance must reach the civilian population in need, rather than being diverted and stolen by Hamas,” COGAT emphasized.
In response to media coverage of the aid situation, the Prime Minister’s Office addressed a report published by Ynet, stating: “The report is incorrect. According to the directive of the political leadership, the IDF will continue to increase pressure on Hamas to secure the return of our hostages and to achieve all the objectives of the war, in accordance with international law.”
The decision to implement this mechanism comes amid urgent concerns that aid supplies in Gaza could soon run out. As part of the initiative, Israel will begin a pilot program focused on direct food distribution in southern Gaza—specifically in the Rafah region—while taking precautions to prevent any Hamas influence within the aid process.
Israel’s government announced on March 2 that it had suspended all aid to Gaza after the Hamas terrorist organization rejected a ceasefire extension proposed by U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced at the time that no goods or supplies would enter Gaza until further notice, reaffirming that Jerusalem will not agree to a ceasefire without the release of its hostages.