Former Israeli Security Chiefs Call for End to Gaza War Amid Increased Desperation

Former heads of Israel's internal security agency, Shin Bet, and spy agency, Mossad, are urging an end to the war in Gaza as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hints at further military action. The call comes amid reports of new deaths among Palestinians seeking food at distribution points, with Israeli defense officials announcing a new deal with local merchants to improve aid deliveries.

Key Takeaways:

• Former Israeli security officials, including Ami Ayalon and Yoram Cohen, are calling for an end to the war in Gaza, citing concerns over Israel's security and identity.
• The officials, who led Shin Bet and Mossad, respectively, are critical of Netanyahu's objectives, with Cohen stating that they are "a fantasy".
• Netanyahu has announced plans to convene his Security Cabinet to direct the army on the next stage of the war, hinting at tougher military action.
• The Israeli defense body, COGAT, has announced a deal with local merchants to improve aid deliveries, allowing basic food products and hygiene supplies to be sold through bank transfers.
• Thousands of Palestinians are struggling to access food, with desperate scenes of men climbing onto aid trucks to scramble for scraps.
• The war has led to a shortage of basic necessities, including food, medicine, and fuel, pushing the Gaza Strip towards famine.

Statistics:

• Since May, several hundred Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire while heading toward food distribution sites, aid parcels, and convoys.
• Israel's blockade and military offensive have made it nearly impossible to safely deliver aid, contributing to a slide towards famine nearly 22 months into the war with Hamas.
• Aid groups have reported that Israel's measures to allow more aid in are far from sufficient, with families of hostages in Gaza fearing starvation.

Sources:

• Shurafa, Wafaa (no date mentioned), "Former Israeli Finance Minister to Israel's Bedouin: 'Continue to believe in rule of law'", The Times of Israel
• Federman, Josef (no date mentioned), "Israeli leaders weigh options for Gaza war as pressures build", The Associated Press
• Israeli defense body COGAT (no date mentioned), "Gradual and controlled renewal of the entry of goods through the private sector in Gaza", COGAT
• United Nations human rights office (no date mentioned), "Palestinians in Gaza killed by Israeli forces in bid to reach aid convoys"

Note: The original text does not specify publication dates for the sources mentioned, so I have not added any dates. I have followed the exact format of the original sources for listing sources, without adding any additional details.