Middle East Tensions Supported by The new operation is intended to bypass both the United Nations and Hamas, but aid groups say even if it works as intended, it is dangerously inadequate. By Aaron Boxerman A chaotic start to its contentious new aid system in Gaza. Mounting anger from Europe over its widening invasion. And growing pressure from the United States to reach a truce. Israel is weathering one of its toughest weeks on the diplomatic stage since the start of the war in Gaza, as its allies, including President Trump, appear increasingly fed up with the protracted war — and with Israel’s conduct of it. On Wednesday, the United Nations denounced the new Israeli-backed aid operation in southern Gaza, a day after the chaotic launch of the initiative, when thousands of hungry Palestinians rushed a food distribution site, prompting Israeli forces to fire warning shots. The episode further raised questions over Israel’s latest attempt to overhaul the provision of aid to Gazans, in what Israeli leaders call an attempt to sideline Hamas. The U.N. and many other humanitarian groups have boycotted the initiative, which has also drawn anger from many of Israel’s Western backers. The Israeli initiative comes amid rising international condemnation over Israel’s threats to launch a new ground offensive against Hamas, on the heels of a two-month blockade on humanitarian aid that ended last week. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, has promised the planned military campaign will be a decisive blow against Hamas. But the Palestinian armed group has refused to surrender despite well over a year and a half of devastating bombardment and ground combat, fighting a dogged war of attrition and recruiting thousands of new fighters to its ranks. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. Already a subscriber? Log in. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.