Amidst International Pressure, Israel Allows Limited Food Aid into Gaza
Gaza Receives Limited Aid After 11-Week Blockade
After facing mounting pressure from international allies, Israel has finally allowed five UN aid lorries carrying essential supplies, including baby food, into the Gaza Strip. This comes after an 11-week blockade that has severely impacted the 2.1 million Palestinians living there.
Netanyahu’s Justification
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the decision to allow this minimal amount of food was driven by both practical and diplomatic considerations. He stressed the need to avoid a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, particularly in light of concerns raised by US senators who are strong supporters of Israel.
Netanyahu’s statement came in response to criticism he faced both domestically and internationally over the blockade. He insisted that the aid deliveries would only continue until Israeli military and private companies establish secure distribution hubs under a US-backed plan, a plan that the UN has rejected.
Expanding Ground Offensive and Civilian Casualties
While permitting limited food aid, Israel continues to escalate its ground offensive against Hamas. On Monday, Israeli air strikes killed at least 40 people across Gaza, including five individuals at a school sheltering displaced families in the Nuseirat refugee camp. The Israeli military claimed these strikes targeted Hamas operatives within a command-and-control center, but the incident sparked international condemnation.
Israel has also ordered the evacuation of Khan Younis, a southern city, and its eastern suburbs, warning of an imminent and unprecedented attack on the area.
The Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The ongoing blockade and military operations have had a devastating impact on the civilian population in Gaza. The UN estimates that over 3,000 people have been killed and 400,000 displaced since the conflict escalated.
Last week, the Hamas-run health ministry reported that 57 children had died from malnutrition over the past 11 weeks. A UN-backed food security assessment warned that half a million people face starvation. Despite Israeli claims that aid was not lacking, the closure of over 115 community kitchens in Gaza due to supply shortages paints a grim picture of the humanitarian crisis unfolding.
International Pressure Mounts
While Israel insists its actions are necessary to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, international pressure is mounting for a swift end to the blockade and the violence. The UN has repeatedly called on Israel to uphold its obligations under international humanitarian law to ensure the safety and well-being of the civilian population in Gaza.
