Introduction
After a grueling 10-week blockade, Israel has announced it will allow a basic amount of food supplies into Gaza to prevent a starvation crisis. This development comes amid intensifying military operations against Hamas and growing international humanitarian concerns. The move marks a significant shift in policy during the ongoing conflict that has severely impacted Gaza’s 2.1 million residents.
Israel’s Announcement and Military Context
The Prime Minister’s office stated that the decision to permit a limited quantity of food into Gaza was based on recommendations from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). This step aims to ensure “no starvation crisis develops” while continuing the military offensive, known as Operation Gideon’s Chariot, against Hamas strongholds.
Despite the partial easing of the blockade, the IDF has launched extensive ground operations across Gaza, targeting sites including hospitals and refugee camps. Recent strikes have led to significant casualties and widespread damage to Gaza’s medical infrastructure, including the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahia and facilities in Khan Younis.
Humanitarian Crisis and International Response
The blockade had cut off all food, fuel, and medicine supplies for over two months, triggering urgent warnings from aid agencies about famine risks and malnutrition among Gaza’s population, especially children. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has urged Israel to allow an immediate and unhindered resumption of humanitarian aid.
Hospitals have been severely impacted, with at least three public hospitals in northern Gaza declared out of service due to airstrikes and sieges. Medical staff report critical shortages of oxygen and essential supplies, severely limiting care capacity.
Hostage Negotiations and Ceasefire Efforts
Amid escalating violence, talks between Israel and Hamas negotiators continue in Qatar. Israel demands the release of all hostages, disarmament of Hamas, and exile of Hamas terrorists as part of any agreement. Hamas, on the other hand, demands a comprehensive ceasefire, prisoner exchanges, and humanitarian aid entry before releasing hostages.
The conflict, which escalated following Hamas attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in thousands of deaths and dozens of hostages still held in Gaza.
The latest damage to hospitals comes after Israeli strikes hit two of the largest medical centres in Khan Younis, the Nasser Medical Complex and European Hospital.
Israel accused Hamas of hiding a command and control centre beneath the European Hospital, and said it conducted a “precise strike” on “Hamas terrorists”.
Israeli media reported the target of the strike was senior Hamas figure Mohammed Sinwar – the younger brother of the former Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar.
Thousands of people have been killed since Israel resumed its strikes on 18 March, following the collapse of a fragile ceasefire which lasted two months.
Israel’s military has said the expansion of its campaign is aimed at “achieving all the war’s objectives” including releasing hostages and “the defeat of Hamas”.
But the hostages’ families group said the operation posed “grave and escalating dangers” to hostages still held in Gaza.
“Testimonies from released hostages describe significantly worsened treatment following military strikes, including physical abuse, restraint and reduced food,” the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said.
The war was triggered by the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, which saw about 1,200 people killed and more than 250 taken hostage.
Some 58 hostages remain in Gaza, up to 23 of whom are believed to be alive.
More than 53,000 Palestinians have been killed during Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
Conclusion
The partial lifting of the Gaza blockade to allow basic food supplies marks a critical moment in the conflict’s humanitarian dimension. However, ongoing military operations and fragile negotiations leave the situation tense and volatile. International attention remains focused on preventing further civilian suffering while seeking a durable ceasefire.
For ongoing updates on the Israel-Hamas conflict and humanitarian efforts, visit our detailed Israel-Hamas Conflict Timeline.
Learn more about the challenges of delivering humanitarian aid in conflict zones to understand the complexities behind aid delivery in Gaza.
