With the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing conflict, Israel has initiated a series of efforts aimed at alleviating the crisis and reducing international pressure. Over the past two weeks, negotiations have been underway to potentially appoint former British Prime Minister Tony Blair as the coordinator of humanitarian operations in the Gaza Strip.

The precise scope of Blair's role and authority remains unclear, but his intended focus is extensive involvement in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This includes a strong emphasis on providing medical care, medication, and exploring options for evacuating the wounded and sick from the Strip. A senior Israeli official has expressed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's interest in appointing Blair, who previously served as the Quartet's envoy to the Middle East.

Humanitarian Aid to Gaza:

Since the beginning of the war 756 trucks filled with more than 12,000 tons of humanitarian aid have entered the Gaza Strip.

This aid includes food, water, medical equipment and other essential items for civilians.

📸@COGATonline pic.twitter.com/1CVvqF5nO3

— Israel ישראל 🇮🇱 (@Israel) November 9, 2023

In response to these developments, Blair's office issued a statement, saying, "Mr. Blair maintains an office in Israel and continues to engage with issues related to Israel and the Palestinians. He is in discussions with individuals in the region and elsewhere to explore potential actions, but he has not been offered or accepted any official 'position' as of now."

These efforts are primarily coordinated by the Israeli Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Defense, both deeply committed to facilitating humanitarian relief in the Gaza Strip. One of the underlying objectives is to bolster the legitimacy of Israeli actions during the conflict and mitigate the increasing international pressure.

The Ministry of Health has played a pivotal role in recent initiatives, including the establishment of field hospitals on the Egyptian side and the deployment of the French hospital ship expected to anchor not far from Gaza's shores.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Defense and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are actively engaged in these efforts. The IDF has recognized that international legitimacy can afford the military more time to confront Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Ensuring legitimacy involves preventing a humanitarian crisis in the region.

Hi Japanese Government 👋

Do you see this Israeli civilian hostage in Gaza? Do you see what's next to him? Yes, it's your “humanitarian aid” 🇯🇵

Have you learned the lesson? It seems not...
_ pic.twitter.com/l5KSBbx2Qz

— Dr. Eli David (@DrEliDavid) November 4, 2023

In recent days, a senior officer from the IDF Gaza Coordination and Liaison Directorate held multiple discussions with the director of Shifa Hospital. The officer presented potential routes for the safe transfer of patients from hospitals such as "Shifa," "Rantisi," and "Nasser." IDF forces have opened and secured routes to facilitate the movement of the population, both on foot and with the assistance of ambulances.