Why Would Israel Restrict Aid? It's Called Leverage.
Amid escalating hunger, Al Jazeera, like many other outlets, queries, 'Why is Israel still restricting aid to Gaza?' (Al Jazeera, 2025). This framing makes it sound like a puzzle, rather than a consistent, documented policy. Netanyahu's government has repeatedly weaponized aid access, a tactic used to exert pressure on civilian populations, a strategy seen during previous bombardments and
blockades, most notably since the 2007 siege. This isn't an anomaly; it's a feature of their approach. The 'why' is less about logistical challenges and more about control. Washington, despite its 'deep concern,' continues to approve massive military aid packages – like the $14 billion in HR 815 this year – effectively subsidizing this very strategy. The media's endless 'why are they doing this'
cycle conveniently ignores the 'because they are allowed to' answer, thanks to a permissive international system heavily influenced by lobbying groups like AIPAC, which spent over $3.7 million in 2023 pushing for unwavering support. How many 'urgent calls' for aid does it take to acknowledge this pattern?