Israel’s Controlled Aid to Gaza: A Security Measure or a Humanitarian Straitjacket?

In a move announced by COGAT—the Israeli military body overseeing civil affairs in disputed territories—select Gazan merchants have now been authorized to bring goods into the Gaza Strip. Ostensibly aimed at increasing aid volume, this decision represents the first time since March 18 that local traders can directly introduce merchandise into the enclave. COGAT stresses that only a limited number of merchants, vetted through stringent security protocols approved by Israel's security cabinet, will participate. This measure is presented as an alternative to reliance on the United Nations and international organizations, which Israel accuses of insufficient engagement at Gaza’s border with...