Tel Aviv: Israel has announced a decision to permit a very limited quantity of food supplies into the Gaza Strip, a move it claims is intended to prevent famine in the region. The announcement was made on Sunday, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stating the intention to allow "a basic quantity of food for the population to prevent the emergence of a hunger crisis in the Gaza Strip."
According to Anadolu Agency - English, the Israeli government emphasized that preventing a famine is crucial to continue Operation Gideon's Chariot, a new phase in Israel's ground offensive targeting northern and southern Gaza. The decision to allow food supplies was reportedly based on recommendations from the Israeli military and considers operational needs to enable expanded intensive fighting against Hamas.
Israel's public broadcaster, KAN, reported that the measure is temporary, expected to last approximately one week. The plan involves establishing aid distribution centers, primarily in southern Gaza, which will be supervised by the Israeli military and managed by American contractors. Israel and the US are supporting two aid distribution plans, acknowledging that their goal is to depopulate northern Gaza by establishing Rafah as a central hub for humanitarian relief.
Reports from Israel's Yedioth Ahronoth daily indicated that Netanyahu informed the security cabinet of his decision to allow aid into Gaza. Some ministers, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, opposed the move and requested a vote, which Netanyahu rejected. The decision contrasts with Netanyahu's previous statements regarding the release of US-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, which he claimed was unconditional. However, Hamas has stated that the release was part of broader agreements, including aid delivery.
Hamas has warned that failure to implement the agreements with the US regarding aid entry and a ceasefire will hinder efforts to negotiate a prisoner exchange process. The group expressed its commitment to reducing Palestinian suffering by ending Israeli aggression and opening border crossings for humanitarian aid. They anticipate that, based on understandings with the US, humanitarian aid will soon enter the Gaza Strip, a permanent ceasefire will be called, and comprehensive negotiations will take place to achieve regional stability.
Indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel are reportedly underway in Doha, Qatar, aiming to end the conflict and finalize a prisoner exchange agreement. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with severe famine conditions exacerbated by Israeli-enforced border closures and restrictions on aid.
Since March 2, Israel has kept all Gaza crossings closed to food, medical, and humanitarian aid, intensifying the humanitarian crisis. Nearly 2.4 million people in Gaza are entirely dependent on humanitarian aid, as per World Bank data. The Israeli military's offensive since October 2023 has resulted in over 53,000 Palestinian casualties, predominantly women and children.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its actions in the enclave.