Israel Eases Gaza Blockade Amidst Rising Humanitarian Concerns
In a significant development, Israel has announced that it will allow a “basic amount” of food aid into Gaza, ending a strict 10-week blockade that had pushed the territory to the brink of famine. The decision, made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, comes as the Israeli military intensifies its ground operations across the Gaza Strip in its latest offensive, “Operation Gideon’s Chariot.”
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) had recommended easing the blockade to prevent a “starvation crisis” that could undermine military objectives. The statement from Netanyahu’s office stressed that aid would be limited and tightly controlled to prevent Hamas from accessing the supplies. “Israel will allow a basic quantity of food to be brought in for the population, to make certain no starvation crisis develops,” the statement read.
The blockade, which had cut off all food, fuel, and medical supplies since early March, has led to catastrophic conditions in Gaza. Aid agencies have repeatedly warned of looming famine among the population of 2.1 million, with graphic images and reports of severely malnourished children intensifying international pressure on Israel to ease restrictions. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot recently called for Israel to allow the “immediate, massive and unhampered” delivery of humanitarian assistance.
The announcement followed a fresh wave of Israeli airstrikes and ground operations, which hit dozens of areas across Gaza, including Khan Younis, Beit Lahia, and the Jabalia refugee camp. The Hamas-run health ministry reported at least 67 deaths and over 360 injuries in the past 24 hours, while the civil defence agency in Gaza said strikes also targeted the al-Mawasi camp, killing at least 22 people and injuring over 100.
Israel’s military operations aim to dismantle Hamas and rescue remaining hostages. The army has urged civilians to evacuate to al-Mawasi, stating that it will “strike any area used for rocket launches.” Gaza’s fragile healthcare system has been further devastated, with three public hospitals in North Gaza now “out of service” due to ongoing bombardment. The Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahia was one of the worst affected, with IDF tanks surrounding the facility and opening fire, leaving 55 people inside, including doctors, nurses, and patients unable to flee.
Despite parallel ceasefire talks in Doha, progress remains stalled. According to Israeli media, Netanyahu’s office said negotiators are “exhausting every possibility” for a deal, which reportedly includes the release of all hostages, the exile of Hamas leaders, and full disarmament of the Gaza Strip. However, a senior Hamas official stated that no breakthrough had been achieved, citing Israel’s refusal to agree to a permanent ceasefire. Hamas has proposed releasing all hostages in exchange for a full Israeli withdrawal and substantial humanitarian aid, terms that the Israeli side has yet to accept.
The renewed offensive has endangered those still held in Gaza, with the Hostages and Missing Families Forum warning that testimonies from released hostages describe significantly worsened treatment following military strikes. The war began with Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attacks on southern Israel, which left approximately 1,200 dead and over 250 hostages taken. Israel’s response has led to widespread devastation in Gaza, with over 53,000 Palestinians killed, according to local health authorities. Currently, an estimated 58 hostages remain in Gaza, with 23 believed to still be alive.
The United States has expressed growing concern over the humanitarian conditions, with Senator Marco Rubio stating that the situation is “deeply troubling” and urging both sides to reach a sustainable ceasefire. As the conflict continues, the international community remains hopeful that a peaceful resolution can be achieved, bringing much-needed relief to the people of Gaza.
