Israel announced Sunday it will allow a limited amount of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, ending nearly three months of blockade. The move comes as global experts warned of famine and amid rising frustration in Israel over the ongoing conflict.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the decision would prevent a “starvation crisis” that could jeopardize Israel’s military offensive in Gaza. A basic amount of food will be allowed into the territory, home to over 2 million people.
The blockade was imposed on March 2, cutting off all food, medicine and other supplies to Gaza. Israel resumed the war days later, shattering a two-month truce. Airstrikes have killed at least 103 people, including dozens of children, and displaced thousands.
Humanitarian aid has been obstructed by Israel’s new aid system, which aid workers object to. Netanyahu said Israel will work to ensure that aid does not reach militants.
The Israeli military launched “extensive” new ground operations in its new offensive, the largest since the ceasefire. Airstrikes have also killed more than 48 people in Khan Younis and Jabaliya.
Israel’s chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, said plans include “dissecting” the strip. The conflict has claimed over 53,000 Palestinian lives, many of them women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Global experts have warned of a famine crisis in Gaza due to the blockade. Israel’s military operations have prompted hospital closures and forced patients to flee their homes.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/mideast-wars-israel-gaza-hamas-hostages-18-05-2025-f325044576f1ac31e6083622242c9990