Israel allows limited aid into Gaza after pressure over starvation fears

Israel has allowed five UN trucks carrying food, including baby formula, into Gaza for the first time in 11 weeks. This came after pressure from US senators and growing concerns about famine in the territory.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the decision was necessary: “We must not reach a situation of famine, both from a practical and a diplomatic standpoint,” he said in a video.

He explained that only a small amount of food would be allowed in until a new system is ready. This new plan, supported by the US, would let the Israeli army and private companies distribute the aid. The UN has rejected this plan.

Netanyahu added: “Since the beginning of the war, we said that… there is one necessary condition: We must not reach a situation of famine, both from a practical and a diplomatic standpoint.”

He said he blocked aid via the UN due to looting by Hamas, and now wants a different approach: “Until we establish those distribution points… we need to provide a minimal, basic bridge just enough to prevent hunger.”

Israel resumed its military attacks on Gaza after stopping aid on 2 March. Since then, over 3,000 people have been killed and 400,000 displaced, according to reports. The UN says 57 children have died of malnutrition in the past 11 weeks.

Netanyahu said: “We are going to take control of all areas of the Strip, that’s what we’re going to do.” He also said this would help defeat Hamas and bring back hostages.

But far-right politicians in Israel have criticised the decision to allow any aid. Itamar Ben-Gvir said it was “a grave mistake” that would “fuel Hamas and give it oxygen.”

Some aid groups doubt the new plan will work. Chef José Andrés from World Central Kitchen said: “This is not true. Will take weeks. This plan will leave Palestinians hungry.”

The UN and other groups say they already have thousands of aid trucks ready but won’t follow Israel’s new plan. They say it goes against basic humanitarian rules and could leave out the elderly and disabled.

Palestinians on the ground say food is nearly impossible to find. “Getting access to food, medicine and hygiene products has become extremely difficult almost impossible,” said Abd al-Fatah Hussein, a displaced father in Gaza.