Amid mounting international pressure and warnings of a severe humanitarian crisis, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that Israel will ease its blockade on Gaza to allow limited quantities of food aid into the enclave.
In a statement from his office, Netanyahu said that Israel will permit the entry of a “basic” amount of food to prevent a hunger crisis among Gaza’s population. The move marks a significant shift in policy as the blockade has contributed to dire conditions in the region.
The statement did not specify when the aid would begin arriving or the exact mechanism for distribution. However, Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported that deliveries would start immediately, with international aid organizations already operating in Gaza handling the distribution.
The decision follows recommendations from military officials and is seen as part of a broader strategy. “The operational need to expand the intense fighting to defeat Hamas” was cited as a motivation for the move. Israeli authorities warned that a hunger crisis could “jeopardize the continuation of the Gideon’s Chariots operation,” referencing recent intensified airstrikes and deployment of additional ground forces in Gaza.
Netanyahu emphasized that Israel will take measures to prevent Hamas from seizing the aid intended for civilians. “Israel will act to prevent Hamas from taking control of the aid distribution to ensure that the aid does not fall into militants’ hands,” the statement read.
Despite the decision, there is internal opposition within the Israeli government. Key members of Netanyahu’s far-right coalition, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have expressed strong opposition to resuming aid deliveries and have threatened to resign if the plan proceeds.
Humanitarian organizations have long reported worsening conditions in Gaza. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), about 93 percent of Gaza’s population was experiencing food insecurity as of May, ranging from crisis to catastrophe levels.
The easing of the blockade comes as welcome news to many in the international community, who have called for increased support to alleviate the suffering of Gaza’s residents. However, challenges remain in ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most without being diverted.
