Israel has started to allow limited food and medicine into the Gaza Strip after a blockade that lasted over two months. This decision comes as the humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached a critical state, with two million residents facing severe shortages.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the easing of the blockade, citing pressure from allies to improve support for Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Hamas. Recent Israeli airstrikes have resulted in significant casualties among Palestinians, with reports indicating that hundreds have died in the latest wave of violence. The humanitarian crisis is described as the worst it has been in 19 months.
International organizations, including the United Nations, welcomed the arrival of aid but expressed concern that the amount is insufficient. Only five trucks have entered Gaza since the blockade was eased, a stark contrast to the 600 trucks that crossed daily during a ceasefire earlier this year. Experts warn that if the blockade continues, famine could become a reality for many in Gaza, with nearly half a million people at risk of starvation.
The U.K., France, and Canada, all allies of Israel, have criticized the aid as “wholly inadequate” and have threatened potential sanctions against Israel for its actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
Israel’s blockade began on March 2, as a tactic to pressure Hamas into accepting a ceasefire that would favor Israel. However, after a brief truce, Israel resumed airstrikes, leading to a significant increase in casualties. Israel claims that Hamas diverts aid for military purposes but has not provided evidence for this assertion. The U.N. maintains that there are measures in place to prevent such diversion.
The conflict escalated sharply following an attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people, primarily civilians, and the abduction of 251 individuals. In response, Israel has conducted a military offensive that has reportedly killed over 53,000 Palestinians, with many casualties being women and children.
Hamas has indicated that it will only release the remaining hostages in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire, and an Israeli withdrawal from the territory. Netanyahu has rejected these terms, stating that Israel will continue its military efforts until all hostages are returned and Hamas is dismantled.
The blockade has devastated Gaza’s economy, leaving the population almost entirely reliant on international aid. Local food markets are nearly empty, and many people rely on charity kitchens, which are running out of supplies. Thousands of children have been treated for malnutrition, and pregnant women are among those most affected.
In response to the crisis, Netanyahu mentioned the introduction of a new system for aid distribution, which aims to prevent Hamas from controlling the aid. This plan involves establishing distribution sites guarded by private security, but U.N. agencies and aid groups have refused to participate, arguing it will not meet the needs of the population and could lead to further displacement.
Aid groups assert that there is enough aid stockpiled outside Gaza that could be quickly distributed if Israel allows it. The situation remains dire, and the international community continues to call for a resolution to the ongoing conflict and a more effective humanitarian response.