Israel's Military Actions in Gaza Under Scrutiny Amid Hostage Crisis

The ongoing military actions by Israel in Gaza are facing increasing scrutiny, particularly as a hostage crisis unfolds. Segev Kalfon, an Israeli who was held captive by Hamas for nearly two years, has recently recounted his harrowing experiences of beatings and starvation during his captivity. Released on October 13, 2025, as part of a cease-fire agreement that involved the exchange of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, Kalfon’s story highlights the human toll of the conflict. His abduction occurred on October 7, 2023, during a violent raid by Hamas that resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the abduction of around 250 individuals, illustrating the severe escalation of hostilities in the region, according to The New York Times.

As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, allegations have emerged regarding Israel's involvement in facilitating looting of humanitarian aid convoys. Jean-Pierre Filiu, a historian who spent significant time in Gaza, claims to have witnessed clear evidence that Israeli forces supported looters who attacked these convoys. Filiu’s firsthand account suggests that Israeli military attacks on local security personnel allowed looters to access aid supplies intended for Palestinian civilians. He describes specific incidents where Israeli strikes targeted security teams protecting aid convoys, leading to substantial theft of food and other essential supplies during a time when famine threatened parts of Gaza. This perspective is echoed by internal UN communications, which reportedly indicated that Israeli actions contributed to the breakdown of law and order in Gaza, as stated in an article from The Guardian US.

Filiu argues that Israel's rationale behind these actions was to undermine the credibility of both Hamas and the UN, effectively using the chaos to benefit local gangs, some of whom were also looters. In response to allegations of complicity, an Israeli military spokesperson claimed that their operations aimed to target terrorists while avoiding harm to civilians, asserting their commitment to international law and the facilitation of humanitarian aid. However, the situation raises critical questions regarding accountability and adherence to humanitarian law during the conflict.

The conflict has resulted in devastating consequences, with estimates indicating that nearly 70,000 people, mostly civilians, have died as a result of Israeli military actions since the outbreak of hostilities. Observers note that the conflict has broader implications, as it may represent a shift towards a post-UN world where humanitarian norms are increasingly disregarded. Filiu contends that Gaza may serve as a troubling model for future conflicts where traditional rules governing warfare are not observed, leaving a humanitarian crisis in its wake. The international community's response to these developments is crucial, as it shapes the discourse around humanitarian accountability and the principles of international law in armed conflict.