IDF continues strikes in Gaza, changes aid distribution while waiting on new instructions from political echelon

Amid heavy IDF strikes in the northern and central Gaza Strip over the past few days, the cabinet of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed several scenarios for future action in Gaza, including occupation, a deal or a siege, Hebrew media reported. 

According to reports in Israeli media, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir warned the government that continued military pressure in Gaza could affect the hostages. 

According to those reports, Zamir said, “There is serious abuse of the hostages and their situation is grave.” 

“I am in favor of defeating Hamas,” Zamir reportedly said, “But the more we deepen the operation now, the more we endanger the hostages.” 

🚚 HUMANITARIAN AID UPDATE: As part of the framework for distributing food and humanitarian aid in Gaza, carried out by the GHF in coordination with international aid organizations, the IDF is conducting ongoing assessments to improve operational response, minimize friction with… pic.twitter.com/RtTQnFFyh8

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 30, 2025

While Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed the IDF last week to present a plan to prevent the looting of aid by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, but so far, no plan has been presented.

However, the IDF did work to reorganize and improve roads to the distribution sites run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation in the Gaza Strip. 

The IDF erected fencing and placed signs indicating proper routes to take to the aid sites to avoid coming near active combat zones. In addition, the military erected barriers and vehicle checkpoints to prevent the entry of unauthorized vehicles into the vicinity of the humanitarian aid distribution sites. 

As part of the reorganization work, the IDF closed the original GHF distribution site in Tel-Sultan and moved it to another location nearby, in order to enable a more rapid and safe passage for residents to the site, while allowing greater observation by the IDF. 

The IDF also reaffirmed that its operations to secure the sites, and improve access to them for Gaza residents are intended to break Hamas’ rule over the Gaza population. 

“As part of the operational effort to secure the areas surrounding the distribution centers, the IDF is conducting an ongoing process of examination and evaluation – aimed at improving the operational response in the area, minimizing friction with the population, and ensuring that the aid reaches its intended recipients,” it said in a statement. 

The changes come after another report by Haaretz claimed that IDF soldiers deliberately shot at Palestinians coming to the GHF sites to receive aid packages. Israeli leaders slammed the article, saying it does not accurately represent the reality.

However, the Military Advocate General’s (MAG) Office disputed claims that there have only been isolated incidents, or that soldiers only shot towards Palestinians posing a threat. 

According to the Haaretz report, the MAG directed the General Staff Fact-Finding Assessment Mechanism to investigate the incidents for suspected war crimes. 

Following the IDF’s work to improve access to the distribution sites, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation praised the steps. 

“Civilians traveling in a warzone will always be exposed to an element of risk, but GHF has been consistent in our calls for more to be done to help those seeking aid safely reach our sites,” the Foundation said. “We are encouraged that the IDF appears to be implementing new tactics to help achieve that goal, including marked routes, signage, additional routes and new barriers and checkpoints.” 

Civilians traveling in a warzone will always be exposed to an element of risk, but GHF has been consistent in our calls for more to be done to help those seeking aid safely reach our sites.

So we are encouraged that the IDF appears to be implementing new tactics to help achieve… pic.twitter.com/BbKumI13qH

— Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (@GHFUpdates) June 30, 2025

Meanwhile, the IDF continues to expand its operations in the Gaza Strip, according to reports from Palestinians. IDF strikes in Gaza City and Khan Younis were reported Monday afternoon and overnight. Gaza City is the most significant stronghold left for Hamas, along with areas in Khan Younis. 

The IDF also announced that it is investigating the circumstances surrounding a drone strike on a beach-front cafe, called “Al-Baqa," in Gaza City on Monday. While Gaza authorities reported over 70 killed in the attack, most international media reported a lower figure between 20-30. According to several Israeli and Palestinian accounts on social media, among those killed in the strike was at least one Hamas commander, Hisham Ayman Mansour, who is believed to have been the head of the Jabaliya battalion. 

Palestinians Report:

20 eliminated in a pinpoint Israeli airstrike on Baqa cafeteria in western Gaza. The site was targeted while a meeting was underway for Hamxs to distribute salaries. pic.twitter.com/54tqlRoYQG

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) June 30, 2025

The IDF had previously issued an evacuation order for that area of Gaza City, warning of strikes against Hamas targets.  

Overnight, soldiers of the 99th Division identified two terrorists attempting to plant an explosive device targeting IDF troops. The soldiers called in an airstrike, which eliminated the terrorists. 

An airstrike in the Gaza Strip on Monday afternoon reportedly targeted Hamas agents attempting to transfer large sums of money, possibly for paying salaries to fighters. Videos shared on Palestinian social media accounts in Gaza showed Gaza residents picking up hundreds of scattered banknotes in high denominations following the strike. Five people were reported to have been killed in the strike. 

An IDF precision strike on Al Wihda Street in Gaza today eliminated five Hamas operatives transporting 5 million shekels in salary funds on a donkey cart.

Footage is too graphic to share. pic.twitter.com/1QrRZfoseZ

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) June 30, 2025

The IDF did not confirm the strike, nor mention any attempts to target Hamas money transfer operations.