Israel allows limited aid into Gaza

Israel allows limited aid into Gaza after international pressure

What Happened

Israel has permitted five UN lorries carrying food, including baby supplies, into Gaza — the first aid delivery in 11 weeks. Prime Minister Netanyahu said the decision followed pressure from US senators concerned about a looming famine. He stressed the aid was minimal and temporary until Israel could set up new distribution hubs under a US-backed plan, which the UN has rejected.

UN officials called the move “a drop in the ocean” given the severe shortages facing Gaza’s 2.1 million residents. Aid agencies have warned of imminent famine and criticised Israel’s plan as unworkable and politically motivated. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes have continued, with reports of at least 40 deaths on Monday, including five people sheltering at a school in central Gaza.

Israel says the offensive is aimed at defeating Hamas and rescuing hostages. Over 3,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed since fighting resumed in March, with 400,000 displaced. The blockade, halted briefly during a ceasefire, has now caused widespread shortages of food, medicine and fuel.

What Next

Israel says more aid trucks will be allowed in “in the coming days” but only via the new controlled hubs. Humanitarian groups say this model is flawed and risks excluding the most vulnerable. The UN insists aid must be delivered under established systems that uphold neutrality and independence.

International pressure is growing. UK, France and Canada have criticised the limited aid as “wholly inadequate” and warned they may take action if military operations continue without humanitarian access.

Negotiations over a ceasefire and hostage deal remain stalled. Meanwhile, Israel says it plans to “take control of all areas” of Gaza. Aid workers on the ground report desperate conditions, with many families surviving on one meal a day.

Media Reaction

Al Jazeera reports the UN called it a “welcome development” but “a drop in the ocean” when so much more aid is needed to address the humanitarian crisis. It is far short of the more than five hundred trucks per day that entered Gaza before the Hamas-led attack on Oct 7, 2023. Food security experts last week warned of famine.

DW says Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says it’s necessary to resume Gaza aid as famine images prove unpopular with allies. Meanwhile, the Israeli military has ordered the evacuation of the territory’s second city.