After weeks of blockade, Israel has allowed dozens of aid trucks carrying essential supplies into the Gaza Strip, the Israeli military announced on Wednesday. Despite this development, United Nations officials report that distribution challenges have prevented the aid from reaching the civilians in urgent need.
The Israel Defense Forces stated that 98 trucks loaded with flour, baby food, and medical equipment entered Gaza on Monday and Tuesday. However, local aid organizations and residents express frustration as these minimal supplies have yet to reach hospitals, markets, bakeries, and soup kitchens.
“None of this aid has reached the Gaza population,” said Antoine Renard, Country Director of the World Food Programme. “The blockade has left Gazans in an increasingly desperate struggle for survival.”
Thousands of tons of food and vital supplies remain stranded near crossing points into Gaza. Aid officials warn that until these resources can be safely distributed, a significant portion of the population remains at risk of famine.
As tensions escalate, Gaza’s health authorities reported on Wednesday that hundreds of Palestinians have been killed in recent days, with the death toll since October 2023 reaching over 7,000.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would consider a temporary ceasefire to facilitate the return of hostages. “All areas of the Gaza Strip will be under Israeli security control, and Hamas will be defeated,” Netanyahu declared, emphasizing the continuation of the military campaign.
Efforts to halt the fighting have stalled, with both Hamas and Israel standing firm on demands the other side rejects. International pressure is mounting as countries including Britain, France, and Canada have condemned the resumption of the assault on Gaza.
In a joint statement, these nations warned that if Israel does not cease its military offensive and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid, they will consider further actions, potentially including targeted sanctions.
European countries expressed outrage after Israeli forces allegedly fired near a group of foreign diplomats visiting Jenin in the West Bank. Italy summoned the Israeli ambassador over the “dramatic” situation in Gaza and the incident in Jenin, with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani calling it “unacceptable” for diplomats to be threatened.
Within Israel, there is growing unease over the ongoing conflict, particularly with dozens of hostages still held in Gaza. Opposition figures like Yair Golan have criticized the government’s approach, warning that Israel risks becoming isolated on the world stage. Netanyahu dismissed these critiques, expressing his dismay at such comments.
Public opinion polls indicate widespread support for a ceasefire that would include the return of all hostages. A recent survey from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem showed that 70% of respondents favor such a deal.
The situation remains tense as the international community watches closely, urging both sides to find a path to peace and alleviate the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
