Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that his cabinet will allow a limited amount of food into Gaza, following recommendations from the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). This marks a change after nearly three months of a strict blockade that has pushed Palestinians to the brink of famine, according to a report by Euronews on Monday.
Limited Aid Linked to Military Strategy
Netanyahu’s decision is tied to Israel’s efforts to expand its military operations in Gaza. On Saturday, Israel launched a large-scale ground attack named “Gideon’s Chariots”. The campaign marks one of the most aggressive moves since the breakdown of the March ceasefire.
On Sunday alone, Israeli airstrikes killed more than 100 people, as reported by Gaza’s Health Ministry. These strikes also led to the shutdown of the Indonesian Hospital, a major medical center in northern Gaza.
Netanyahu admitted the urgent need to prevent famine, stating that Israel’s military leadership has warned that growing hunger could harm the broader war effort against Hamas.
Hunger Crisis Deepens
Food security experts are raising serious alarms. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, around 500,000 Palestinians are already suffering from “catastrophic” hunger, and another one million are barely surviving on minimal food.
Euronews reported that experts believe famine is inevitable unless the blockade is lifted and the military campaign is paused. However, details about when and how humanitarian aid will be delivered remain uncertain.
Netanyahu emphasized that while food aid will be allowed, Israel will ensure that “aid distribution must avoid empowering Hamas.” He pledged that Israel would take steps to prevent Hamas from accessing the supplies.
Continued Fighting and Human Cost
Israel’s latest military campaign is its most intense since the ceasefire collapsed. It aims to capture more territory and push Palestinians out of certain areas. Meanwhile, ceasefire talks are still ongoing.
Israel wants a short-term truce focused only on the release of hostages, not a permanent end to the conflict. On the other hand, Hamas insists on a full Israeli withdrawal and a concrete plan to stop the war as part of any peace deal.
Since the last truce failed, almost 3,000 more Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, as cited by Euronews.
Background of the Conflict
The current conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas carried out a surprise attack in southern Israel. That assault left around 1,200 people dead, most of them civilians, and 251 hostages were taken.
Hamas is still believed to be holding 57 hostages, with 22 presumed alive.
In response, Israel launched a full-scale military operation. According to figures from Hamas-run authorities in Gaza, over 50,000 Palestinians have died since then. The Israeli military has reported 856 soldier deaths during the ongoing conflict.
The situation remains extremely tense, with both humanitarian concerns and military objectives driving decisions on both sides.
