Israel Allows Limited Food Aid into Gaza Amid Famine Fears and Global Pressure

 After more than two months of a total blockade, Israel has agreed to permit a basic amount of food aid into Gaza. This decision, announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, follows intense international pressure, particularly from allies in the U.S. Senate, amid rising fears of famine and mounting humanitarian concerns.

“We must not reach a situation of famine, both from a practical and a diplomatic standpoint.” – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Israel's move comes after criticism from within and outside the country. Far-right ministers like Itamar Ben-Gvir have called the decision a "grave mistake," arguing that it benefits Hamas. However, Netanyahu emphasized that the country must avoid scenes of starvation, especially as it continues its military campaign in Gaza.

He explained that the food deliveries would continue only until Israel and American companies set up distribution hubs in Gaza. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will secure these hubs to ensure aid reaches civilians without being intercepted by Hamas. Netanyahu noted that the plan was chosen to replace UN-led aid operations, which he claimed had been exploited by Hamas.

Nine aid trucks, including baby food, were reportedly prepared to enter Gaza on Monday. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said it was in discussions with Israel on how to resume limited aid deliveries, given the dire conditions.

Since the end of the temporary ceasefire, more than 3,000 people have been killed and about 400,000 displaced in Gaza, according to local health officials. The Hamas-run health ministry also reported that 57 children have died from malnutrition over the past 11 weeks. A UN-backed report warned that one in five Gazans—around 500,000 people—face starvation.

Despite Israeli claims that enough aid was sent during the ceasefire, the blockade since March 2nd has led to severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel. Netanyahu blamed looting by Hamas for the suspension of aid via traditional channels.

At the same time, Israel has continued its expanded ground offensive in Gaza. Netanyahu confirmed that the goal is to take control of all areas of the Gaza Strip and defeat Hamas. The Israeli military stated it had struck over 160 targets in the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, residents of Khan Younis have been ordered to evacuate ahead of what the IDF called an "unprecedented attack."

Netanyahu said the military operation and humanitarian aid are connected: defeating Hamas and releasing the hostages depend on preventing a full-blown famine, which could undermine international support.

In Qatar, indirect talks for a new ceasefire and hostage exchange are ongoing but have yet to yield results. Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza following Hamas's cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages being taken.

Since then, over 53,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to local health authorities.