Gaza News Highlights, 13 August 2025: Netanyahu accuses former security chiefs of abandoning victory commitment in Gaza

Amid growing criticism over the protracted war in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused former security chiefs and the IDF of having abandoned the commitment to "victory," The Times of Israel said in a report. While touting the military's successes since the conflict began, Netanyahu also assailed the concept of Palestinian statehood, calling it an "illusion… whose entire purpose is to destroy us." His comments come as he faces significant domestic pressure regarding the government's handling of the war.

Turkey is applying pressure on Hamas to disarm and re-engage in cease-fire negotiations concerning Gaza, according to a report in Haaretz. A Palestinian official cited in the report stated that Hamas is experiencing political isolation and recognizes that it cannot maintain its rigid position.

A proposal within the European Union to penalize Israel by restricting its access to certain EU funds over the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza has been stalled, as per a report in Deutsche Welle. The measure, prompted by famine warnings in the Palestinian territory, has not advanced due to a lack of consensus among member states. Germany is reportedly one of the key countries currently blocking the proposal from moving forward.

Israel's relevant ministry has revoked the operating permits for 10 humanitarian non-governmental organizations that provide aid to Palestinians, according to a report in Haaretz. The decision impacts a range of groups, including the internationally recognized Catholic Relief Services, Rahma, and the smaller organization Gaza Direct Aid. This action withdraws the official authorization for these NGOs to operate and deliver aid in areas under Israeli control, including access to Gaza.

At least 25 people were killed by Israeli gunfire in Gaza on Wednesday while they were seeking aid, according to a report in AP. Local health officials and eyewitnesses reported the casualties, with the bodies being taken to Nasser and Awda hospitals. The incident occurs as efforts to revive ceasefire negotiations are resuming, and as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel will 'allow' Palestinians to leave the territory.

Green party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick was ordered to leave New Zealand's parliament on Tuesday amid a heated debate over the government's response to the conflict in Gaza, The Guardian says in a report. The urgent debate was initiated after the centre-right government announced it was reconsidering its position on recognizing a Palestinian state. Swarbrick was ejected after accusing government MPs of lacking a 'spine' on the issue. This discussion comes as close allies, including Australia, Canada, the UK, and France, have announced they would recognize a Palestinian state at a United Nations conference in September.

Palestinian businessman Samir Khalila has stated that discussions are underway for his appointment as the governor of Gaza, Israel National News says in a report. Khalila, who is presented as a candidate for the potential post-war role, stressed that he has no ties to Hamas. He further asserted that the group will not have any part in the governance of Gaza after the war.

On what was marked as 'Day 677' of the ongoing conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested that countries wishing to aid Palestinians should do so by accepting them into their own territories, Haaretz said in a report. Netanyahu's statement, 'If other countries want to help Palestinians, they should open their doors,' directly addresses the future of Gaza's population amid the protracted war and international discussions on post-conflict scenarios for the region.

A group of retired and reserve Israeli Air Force pilots held a rally outside the IDF headquarters to protest the government's military strategy in Gaza, The Times of Israel says in a report. The veterans voiced concerns that a planned ground offensive to capture Gaza City, and potentially the entire Strip, would endanger the lives of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. During the demonstration, a letter was read from the wife of Ron Arad, an Israeli airman who has been missing since 1986, to warn of the potential consequences for the current captives.

A group of 24 countries along with European Union officials has issued a joint call for Israel to allow unrestricted humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, as per a report in Haaretz. The appeal comes in response to the severe humanitarian crisis in the enclave, which is marked by widespread food insecurity, a lack of medical supplies, and significant infrastructure damage amid the ongoing conflict. The international call emphasizes the need to remove impediments to aid delivery to ensure essential supplies can reach all civilians in need throughout the territory.

Iranian police have arrested at least 21,000 'suspects' during the ongoing conflict with Israel, which is related to the war in Gaza, The Times of Israel says in a report. A law enforcement spokesman did not specify the allegations for the vast majority of those detained. However, he stated that 261 individuals were suspected of espionage and 172 were detained for unauthorized filming, while an additional 2,774 illegal migrants were also rounded up during the same period.

The United Nations Secretary-General has informed Israel it is being put 'on notice' for potential inclusion on a list of parties committing sexual violence in conflict, while Hamas is set to be formally added, The Times of Israel says in a report. This list is part of the UN's broader annual report on Children and Armed Conflict. A spokesperson for Israel's envoy to the UN called the warning "absurd" and "grave." Hamas's inclusion is reportedly based on widespread sexual violence committed during the October 7th attacks, whereas Israel's 'on notice' status stems from allegations related to its military operations in Gaza and serves as a formal warning.

In a radio interview, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio asserted that a lasting peace in Gaza is impossible until Hamas is eliminated, Israel National News says in a report. Rubio also stated that the Muslim Brotherhood is under review for a potential terror designation and dismissed diplomatic pressure on Israel from European nations as being motivated by their internal domestic politics.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that residents of Gaza City should leave the area before an anticipated takeover by the Israel Defense Forces, according to a report in Haaretz. The warning precedes an expected intensified ground operation in the northern Gaza Strip, specifically targeting the territory's largest urban center. This directive reiterates previous calls from Israel for civilians in the northern part of the strip to evacuate southwards amid the ongoing conflict.