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Dozens of trucks carrying humanitarian aid began moving from Egypt into Gaza on Sunday after months of international pressure and warnings from aid groups of widespread starvation in the Palestinian enclave.
The shipments come as Israel, under criticism for its blockade, announced airdrops of flour, sugar and canned food over northern Gaza. The Israeli military said it would also establish “humanitarian corridors” and implement “humanitarian pauses” to allow United Nations convoys to deliver supplies. Combat operations, however, continue.
The measures follow the collapse of indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas in Doha, leaving no deal in sight.
Relief agencies say Gaza’s 2.2 million residents face mass hunger after Israel cut off supplies in March. Israel resumed limited deliveries in May but maintains strict restrictions. The United Nations says Israeli limits hinder aid efforts, while Israel accuses the U.N. of failing to distribute supplies effectively and denies reports of starvation.
The Gaza Health Ministry reports at least 127 deaths from malnutrition, including 85 children, since the war began nearly two years ago. More than 100 aid agencies warned last week that famine is spreading rapidly.
Separately, Israeli naval forces intercepted an aid ship sailing from Italy, preventing it from entering Gaza’s maritime zone. All passengers were reported safe.
Israel also connected a power line to a desalination plant expected to provide water to 900,000 Gazans. The war erupted after Hamas-led fighters attacked Israeli towns on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and seizing 251 hostages. Since then, Israeli strikes have killed nearly 60,000 in Gaza, according to local health officials.
With information fron Reuters.
