Israel has lifted its blockade on Gaza, allowing the entry of five trucks carrying humanitarian aid, including baby food, after almost three months. The delivery was welcomed by the UN as a “welcome development” but noted that more aid is needed to address the severe humanitarian crisis in the territory.
The aid, which entered through the Kerem Shalom crossing, will reach over two million Palestinians. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the decision to resume limited deliveries came after pressure from allies who warned they could no longer support Israel’s military operations if images of hunger emerged.
Israel has stepped up its offensive in Gaza, launching air and ground operations across the territory and ordering the evacuation of Khan Younis, where a massive operation earlier left much of the area in ruins. Experts have warned that if the blockade is not lifted, potential famine looms.
Netanyahu plans to take control of all Gaza and establish a new aid distribution system that circumvents Hamas. He also wants to encourage voluntary emigration of Gaza’s population to other countries. However, the Trump administration has expressed growing concern over the hunger crisis in Gaza, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling it “troubled.”
A ‘red line’ was mentioned by Netanyahu, but it is unclear if he was referring to the humanitarian crisis or a loss of support from allies. The move aims to pacify anger from his nationalist base, which had pressed him not to allow aid into Gaza.
The UN has rejected Israel’s new distribution plan, stating that supplies won’t reach enough people and would be used to weaponize aid against Hamas.
Source: https://www.euronews.com/2025/05/19/france-to-build-high-security-jail-in-amazon-to-isolate-drug-traffickers-from-gangs