Israel to allow basic food aid into Gaza amid famine warnings

Israel has taken a step toward allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza, reversing its decision from March when it completely halted such entries. An announcement confirmed that a basic supply of food would be permitted to cross into Gaza.

Facing an increasing risk of famine and mounting international pressure after initiating a blockade on March 2, Israel has decided to partially ease its policy of obstructing aid to the region.

A statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office declared, “Israel will provide the population with a basic amount of food to ensure that a famine crisis does not emerge in the Gaza Strip.” The statement also claimed that a famine crisis would benefit Hamas and noted that the Israeli military would oversee aid distribution.

According to Reuters, Eri Kaneko, a spokesperson for the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator, confirmed that Israel had contacted the UN to resume limited aid deliveries. Kaneko mentioned that logistical details were under discussion, considering the conditions on the ground.

The entry of humanitarian aid was prompted by international pressure. Israeli media reported that the security cabinet convened to discuss ongoing negotiations in Doha for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement in Gaza, as well as the entry of humanitarian aid.

Israeli state television KAN reported that the decision to immediately permit humanitarian aid into Gaza resulted from political pressure on Israel, primarily from the US and European nations. This cabinet decision was reportedly made without a vote. The objections of far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, who had previously threatened to dismantle the government if such a decision were made, were disregarded, and their proposals to put the matter to a vote were rejected.

In a statement, Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized the decision, asserting, “While our prisoners are in tunnels, any humanitarian aid entering the Strip will definitely feed Hamas and give it oxygen.” He accused Prime Minister Netanyahu of making a mistake.

Meanwhile, the news website Walla reported that aid would be supplied through the United Nations and international organizations until May 24. After this date, an aid distribution plan led by Israel is expected to be implemented.

Since March 2, Israel has been preventing medical supplies, food, and fuel from entering Gaza. The Israeli security cabinet recently approved a plan to expand its operations in Gaza, which includes placing aid distribution entirely under Israeli military control. As part of this, an operation named “Gideon’s Chariots” was launched.

Attacks are ongoing, and the death toll is rising. The Israeli military claimed to have struck over 670 Hamas targets and neutralized numerous Hamas members in the past week as part of the “Gideon’s Chariots” operation.

However, the Gaza Ministry of Health reported that at least 464 Palestinians lost their lives during the same period. Ministry spokesperson Khalil al-Deqran stated, “Some families have been completely wiped from the civil registry system due to Israeli bombardment.”

The healthcare system in Gaza has almost entirely collapsed. Due to fuel shortages, 75% of ambulances are non-operational, and it is feared that all medical transport could cease within 72 hours. Health officials announced that the death toll has surpassed 53,000, the majority being civilians.

One of Israel’s overnight airstrikes hit a tent camp in Khan Yunis, which housed displaced civilians. The attack resulted in numerous fatalities, including women and children, and caused tents to catch fire.

The Gaza Ministry of Health also announced that the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza, which had been partially functioning, is now completely out of service due to Israeli fire. The Israeli military stated that operations against “terror infrastructure” are continuing in the area.

Additionally, there has been no official confirmation of reports that Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar was killed last week in an airstrike on a tunnel beneath a hospital.

The decision by Israel to allow some aid came after indirect talks in Qatar between Israel and Hamas failed to yield any progress. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had indicated that discussions covered a ceasefire, prisoner exchange, the exile of Hamas militants, and the demilitarization of Gaza. Hamas had previously rejected these terms.

Hamas officials informed Reuters that during the Qatar talks, Israel focused solely on the release of hostages and did not commit to ending the war. Hamas reiterated its willingness to release all hostages in exchange for Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, the lifting of the blockade, and the release of Palestinian prisoners.

A senior Israeli official confirmed that no progress has been made in the negotiations so far.