Israeli Defense Minister Gallant Steps Down Sparking Nationwide Protests

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant officially stepped down on Friday, replaced by Israel Katz, a former foreign minister and close ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Netanyahu's decision to dismiss Gallant has ignited a wave of protests throughout Israel, with citizens rallying in opposition to what they see as the removal of a moderate voice from an increasingly right-leaning government.

Many Israelis saw Gallant as an advocate for negotiations with Hamas to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza, and his abrupt exit has fueled concerns that Netanyahu's administration may be deprioritizing this humanitarian issue.

Israel to Open New Gaza Aid Crossing

Gallant's departure comes as Israel faces mounting pressure to increase humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The Israeli military agency overseeing aid to Gaza, known as COGAT, announced plans on Friday to open a new crossing point, located at Kissufim, to expedite the delivery of food, medical supplies, and fuel to civilians in the conflict zone.

This move follows a U.S. ultimatum that Israel must allow 350 aid trucks into Gaza daily to meet urgent needs or risk a reevaluation of American arms support. COGAT has already built inspection facilities and paved roads to support the new aid route, though officials have not specified when it will begin operations.

U.N. and humanitarian groups continue to express alarm, stressing that aid must reach northern Gaza, where tens of thousands of Palestinians remain cut off from essential resources.

Washington Pressures Israel on Aid Goals

The expansion of aid routes aligns with a letter from U.S. officials who warned Israel that failure to meet a daily aid target could jeopardize future arms shipments to the country.

Currently, Israel allows an average of only 57 trucks per day into Gaza, a figure that has recently risen to 81 but remains below the U.S.-recommended minimum.

While the new crossing aims to address these shortfalls, humanitarian organizations argue that it is still insufficient to meet the needs of civilians in Gaza, as conflict with Hamas continues to intensify.

Erdogan Presses Trump to Address Middle East Tensions

Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan voiced hope that U.S. President-Elect Donald Trump will make strides toward resolving Middle Eastern conflicts.

Speaking to Turkish media, Erdogan urged Trump to press Israel to end its Gaza offensive and suggested cutting U.S. military support for Israel as a step toward peace. Erdogan, a vocal critic of Israel's policies in Gaza, has accused the country of committing atrocities and questioned Western backing for its actions, calling for a stronger international response.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press