Gaza News Live: Israeli cabinet meeting on Gaza occupation plan postponed amid government tensions

A severe humanitarian crisis and the ongoing conflict have led to a breakdown of civil order in Gaza, resulting in widespread looting of aid convoys and warehouses, as per a report in Haaretz. The scarcity of essential resources like food and water has created desperation, where organized looters often overpower civilians attempting to get supplies. This collapse of security and governance has severely hampered the ability of aid organizations to distribute assistance, leaving many Gazans empty-handed and facing extreme deprivation.

An Israeli security cabinet meeting scheduled to discuss Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposal for a 'full occupation' of Gaza has been postponed, The Guardian said in a report. The delay comes amid stalling ceasefire negotiations with Hamas and rising tensions within the Israeli government over the feasibility of the plan, which reportedly involves an expansive offensive to take complete control of the territory after 22 months of war. Israeli officials had indicated to the media that the prime minister was considering the offensive, but resistance to the idea has revealed splits within the government.

The United Nations has described reports of a potential expansion of Israel's military operations throughout the Gaza Strip as 'deeply alarming', according to a report in Reuters. Speaking at a U.N. Security Council meeting on August 5, U.N. Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca stated that such a move, if true, would risk 'catastrophic consequences'. He added that an expansion could further endanger the lives of the remaining population in the territory.

Aid truck drivers delivering essential supplies in Gaza report facing increasing, often deadly, danger from multiple sources, as per a report in AP. As Hamas's control has weakened in recent months, a power vacuum has reportedly been filled by violent gangs who hijack trucks and steal aid for resale. Drivers also contend with large, desperate crowds swarming moving vehicles to grab supplies, and state that Israeli troops often shoot into the chaotic scenes. This heightened danger, which has reportedly worsened since March, has resulted in the deaths of several drivers.

Israeli forces from the Kfir Brigade operating in southern Khan Yunis have destroyed an underground tunnel route approximately two kilometers in length, Israel National News says in a report. During the operation in the southern Gaza city, soldiers also uncovered a cache of weapons located inside a building.

A new poll highlights a significant divergence in opinion between Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel concerning the ongoing war in Gaza, according to a report in The Times of Israel. The findings indicate that a majority of Jewish Israelis believe the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is making an effort to avoid harming civilians and are not troubled by reports of famine in the territory. Conversely, most Arab Israelis disagree with this assessment of the IDF's actions and express that they are very troubled by the humanitarian situation. The poll also shows that Jewish Israelis generally trust statistics provided by the IDF, while Arab Israelis express skepticism toward them.

British Air Force reconnaissance planes are reportedly flying over the Gaza Strip to help locate hostages, according to a report in Israel National News. The purpose of the surveillance flights is to gather intelligence that can be shared with Israeli forces to support their efforts to find and rescue the captives.

Haggai Angrest, the father of hostage Matan Angrest, announced that the name 'Shachar' has been added to his son's name with the blessing of Rabbi Abuhatzeira, Israel National News says in a report. The family is urging the public to use the new name, 'Matan Shachar ben Inbal,' in prayers for his swift return from captivity in Gaza.

Palestinians collecting food aid delivered via air drops in Gaza have discovered that some of the packages are covered in black mould, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The report, which includes video evidence, shows some packages contaminated with the mould, raising concerns about the quality of humanitarian supplies being delivered to the region.

A sold-out fundraiser in Tel Aviv organized to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza was forced to relocate to a secret venue after receiving threats from right-wing elements, according to a report in Haaretz. The event's organizers proceeded despite the threats, with all proceeds being donated to a joint Israeli-Palestinian aid project aimed at alleviating the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis, many civilians in Gaza are avoiding free aid from UN convoys and other humanitarian sites due to the fear of coming under Israeli military fire, according to a report in The Times of Israel. Instead, residents who can secure funds through online fundraising are purchasing essential goods from a burgeoning black market. This alternative is a last resort for many, as it involves paying high prices for food and reported commissions of up to 50% to sellers.

During a visit to Gaza, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) must and will carry out all orders from the country's political leadership concerning the war, according to a report in Israel National News. Katz emphasized his role in ensuring that all decisions made by the Cabinet are fully implemented by the military. The statement underscores the principle of civilian control over the armed forces amid the ongoing conflict.

Israel will allow a gradual and controlled entry of goods into Gaza by utilizing local merchants, according to a report in Reuters. The policy was announced on Tuesday by COGAT, the Israeli military agency responsible for coordinating aid. According to the agency, the stated goal of this new mechanism is to increase the volume of aid entering the Gaza Strip while simultaneously reducing reliance on aid collection and distribution by the United Nations and other international organizations.

The Board of Deputies of British Jews has described Israeli humanitarian aid measures in Gaza as 'long overdue', according to a report in The Times of Israel. The statement is seen as a notable shift for the prominent UK Jewish organization, which had previously disciplined dozens of its members for signing an open letter critical of Israel's actions during the war. This development occurs amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and international calls for increased aid access.

Sarah Awaidah, a woman in Gaza, created an alternative humanitarian aid system that successfully bypassed Hamas and other groups to provide free food to 100,622 families, according to a report in Fox News. Her independent operation, which aimed to circumvent profiteering from aid, has reportedly led to her receiving death threats from Hamas, local merchants who were profiting from the crisis, and some former allies. The initiative highlights the challenges and dangers of distributing aid outside of established or controlled channels within the territory.

The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to hold a special session on August 5, 2025, to address the conditions of hostages in Gaza, as per a report in Reuters. The meeting, which was convened following an appeal by Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon, is set to begin at 1900 GMT. A media stakeout is planned to precede the session at 1845 GMT.

The Canadian government announced it conducted an airdrop of humanitarian assistance into Gaza on Monday using a Canadian Armed Forces CC-130J Hercules aircraft, as per a report in Reuters. The move addresses the severe humanitarian crisis stemming from the conflict that began in October 2023. In addition to the aid delivery, the government led by Prime Minister Mark Carney stated its position that Israel is violating international law. Canada joins other nations that have resorted to airdrops amid difficulties in getting sufficient aid into the territory through land crossings.

Residents of the Nahal Oz kibbutz have petitioned Israel's High Court of Justice to challenge a government decision encouraging the repopulation of communities near the Gaza border, The Jerusalem Post said in a report. The government's policy, established in June, was reportedly based on military assessments that there is "no immediate security threat" to civilians in the area. The petition from the border community directly contests this security assessment and seeks to halt the implementation of the repopulation directive.

Yair Netanyahu, the son of Israel's Prime Minister, has strongly criticized Qatar, calling the nation "the modern-day Nazi Germany," Israel National News said in a report. The statement targets Qatar's central role as a mediator in the ongoing negotiations for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Yair Netanyahu, who holds no official government position, made the inflammatory remark as complex diplomatic efforts continue involving Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to secure a deal.

Over a dozen House Democrats have signed a letter urging the Trump administration to recognize Palestinian statehood, according to a report in The Guardian. The effort, led by Congressman Ro Khanna of California, calls for the rights of Palestinians "as a people and nation" to be urgently upheld. The letter, addressed to the president and the secretary of state, is also supported by other progressive members including Greg Casar of Texas, Pramila Jayapal of Washington, and Maxwell Frost of Florida.

Israeli activists, including a group identified as "Friends of hostage Rom Braslavski," blocked humanitarian aid convoys heading for the Gaza Strip, according to a report in The Jerusalem Post. During the protest, the activists reportedly slashed the tires of the aid trucks to prevent them from reaching their destination. This action is part of a series of protests by some Israelis who oppose the delivery of aid into Gaza while hostages remain held there.